That’s right. They say 10044 is the second cleanest. After collecting data from all New York City Zip Codes, Roosevelt Island scored better than all but one other. #1 was 11040 in New Hyde Park in Queens. But wait a minute…
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
In reality, Roosevelt Island is pretty clean. We hear complaints about many issues, and, I’m sure, so does RIOC. But dirty streets, sidewalks and parks are rarely the issue. Landscaping and groundskeeping – well, that’s another story for another time.
10044 is also almost unimaginably picturesque for an urban neighborhood. And the percentage devoted to green space would be the envy of most of the world. But before the jubilation begins, there are a couple of things worth thinking about.
Here’s how HouseFresh determined that ZipCode 10044 is the second cleanest in the city.
“For its latest study, the indoor air quality experts at HouseFresh have scoured local sanitary complaints across New York City, inspecting 644 categories related to sanitation issues including waste, recycling, garbage, etcetera,” TimeOut New York reported.
So, Is 10044 the Second Cleanest in New York City?
Well, maybe, but probably not. Here’s why.
One very big thing running in our favor is our AVAC garbage disposal system. Keeping trash indoors, sucked down tubes instead of being hauled out to the curb, is a huge local advantage.
Because of that, Roosevelt Island is certainly cleaner than most neighborhoods – as it was intended.
But the other point is more controversial. Local sanitary complaints were the criterion used. These presumably came from city records, but 10044 would register as a no-show there most of the time.
Although there are certainly some gripes that go to 311 or Sanitation, RIOC must field the vast majority of complaints, and those probably were not considered – if for no other reason because RIOC does not compile formal records as the city does.
And, So…
We’ll take the positive publicity and the firsthand knowledge that, compared with anywhere else you walk in New York City, our streets are cleaner. But we can’t know for certain that 10044 is the second cleanest.
That, plus all the other unique advantages, is probably enough for most of us, though.
The Unmentioned Section
We pick up where we left off. The Governance Committee meeting of August 27th—still in Motorgate’s echoing belly—moves from theater to table work. Ethics in a parking garage. Only on Roosevelt Island do we test our moral compass next to a concrete pylon.
Second Cleanest Zip Code in NYC…ok, great news for Roosevelt Island but when was the last time you walked by the Motorgate area? If I didn’t have to get my car out of the garage routinely, I’d still hit the Farmer’s Market and Foodtown and basically just walk on the pigeon crap without choice. I’ve asked RIOC to maintain that area but it’s not happening. NYC Health Dept inspected the area and concurred that it’s unacceptably filthy, and they warned RIOC to clean the area. Of course it didn’t happen and RIOC was fined for not taking action. FYI, the Health inspector said that people are breaking the law when they throw crumbs, rice, etc out for the pigeons…he used the term to say it’s “Illegal Dumping!” How about PSD making some effort to enforce the “Illegal Dumping” law? Why can’t RIOC put up signs so people know that much…”Don’t Feed the Pigeons!” or better, “Fines for Feeding Pigeons”!!! We have cameras for everything else, so identifying people isn’t rocket science (lol, including the Wonder Bread food truck guy who thinks it’s a bird sanctuary and dumps his crumbs during his break). What about spray washing the place on a regular basis RIOC? We have other bigger fish to fry on this island but these don’t seem like huge asks for an area that seems to get dirtier and dirtier. Please call 311 and complain about unsanitary conditions at the Motorgate ground area @ 688 Main St. With your help, perhaps we can get rid of the bird crap and filth, and live up to being the cleanest zip code in NYC.
All valid and complaints that have been around for a long time. The area between Gristedes and Motorgate has been cited for as long as I can remember. But whether it’s issues like this or other city rules, enforcement is rare. The city defers to RIOC, and anyone who thinks RIOC spends a lot of time on quality-of-life issues hasn’t been here for long. I’m not sure what the solution is, but in the long run, at least, complaining to RIOC is the most likely to go anywhere. Constituent Services is available, one-on-one, every Friday morning at the Senior Center. Try ’em.