Roosevelt Landings residents on Roosevelt Island are dealing with a big stink, a growing sanitation crisis, finding themselves cleaning up not just after dogs, but after humans too. With no public restrooms available mid-island, it’s time for local authorities to step up and address this pressing public health issue.
by Anonymous (Name withheld)
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Roosevelt Island’s Dirty Secret: Residents Left to Clean Up Human Waste
Access to clean and sanitary restroom facilities is a fundamental human right, and it’s something we often take for granted—until it’s no longer available. On Roosevelt Island, the lack of public restrooms mid-island is creating serious issues, particularly for residents of Roosevelt Landings and visitors alike. The only accessible restroom is at Nisi, which has become the go-to spot, but the strain on this single facility is evident.
A resident of Roosevelt Landings who regularly walks his dogs along the East Promenade describes a worsening situation: “I always pick up after my dogs, but I’ve found myself also picking up after other people’s dogs. The bigger problem, though, is the human waste I’ve been finding under the construction sheds.”
This resident has become an unexpected expert in waste management, not just for his pets but for his entire community. “It’s bad enough dealing with dog waste, but human excrement? That’s a whole other level. It’s extremely unhygienic, and frankly, it’s dangerous for both my dogs and me.”
More than just a big stink
The problem isn’t just limited to unsanitary conditions; it’s a broader issue of neglect and a lack of basic facilities.
“Today, the human waste I found was so large it wouldn’t even fit in a poop bag. I had to leave it. I understand that when nature calls, people have to go, but the fact that there is nowhere for them to go is a serious problem.”
Residents like this dog walker are feeling the burden of keeping their neighborhood clean, but they shouldn’t have to.
“We need more help here. The maintenance staff isn’t even keeping up with pigeon droppings or litter, let alone human waste. I’m the one picking up vodka bottles, cigarette butts, and joint ends.”
Adding to the frustration is the lack of basic cleaning facilities. “There aren’t even water faucets behind Roosevelt Landings. The ones that are available are on the street, far from where the problem areas are. In Manhattan, building sidewalks are washed down regularly. Here, it happens less than once a month.”
This situation is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a public health issue that demands immediate attention. Roosevelt Island’s residents deserve better, and it’s time for local authorities to step up and address these serious sanitation concerns.
Relieving oneself is a biological function and access to sanitary toilet facilities is a human right. However, on Roosevelt Island, Nisi is the restroom of choice for visitors. Because it is the only choice mid-island.
Rivercross and the Quiet Green Light
Rivercross privatization was enabled in 2010. This matters now because the same governance structures that allowed Rivercross to privatize without formal conflict controls are still in place. The same public authority oversees land leases, settlements, and redevelopment decisions that affect every resident on Roosevelt Island today.
The sidewalk in front of the school on Main St is pretty bad too.