RIOC was honored by the New York Preservation League for its Lighthouse Preservation Project. But in classic style for the always-in-upheaval state agency, it ghosted everyone who was actually involved.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Vice President and CFO Dhruvika Patel Amin is at the center of the photograph supplied by RIOC. No one was identified in the press release.
The Lighthouse Preservation Award
Sometimes it’s tempting to brush it off… “That’s just RIOC being RIOC.” But it’s harder now because things were supposed to change. Fresh interim leadership would set a new standard for accountability.
It made sense. Amin, accepting the award, ranks first among what’s left of RIOC leadership after many resignations and mysterious dismissals. But here’s what she said, according the a press release almost a week after the event.
“We are humbled that the Lighthouse Restoration Project has been recognized by the New York Preservation League as one of their 2024 ‘Excellence in Historic Preservation’ award winners. On behalf of RIOC, we’d like to thank Tom Fenniman and his outstanding team for their expertise, as well as LIRO Group and ICC Commonwealth, the construction team that completed the work.
Dhruvika Patel Amin
What’s Missing from this Picture?
From the start of the Lighthouse Preservation to its impressive finish, Amin was never involved. Hold that perspective.
- The Lighthouse Project concept launched under then CEO Susan Rosenthal in 2019. The Girl Puzzle was a companion package for the north end.
- Current CEO Shelton J. Haynes picked the project up in 2020, although as COO he was involved all along. He oversaw funding and planning.
- Former Chief Financial Officer John O’Reilly excelled at coordinating elements across administrations. He was truly a master with feet on the ground.
- Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) president Judith Berdy offered invaluable guidance concerning authenticity, start to finish.
The Lighthouse Preservation Team, Main Players and Their Project
None of these who contributed so much got a wink or a nod from RIOC and CFO Amin.
Has RIOC learned anything?
Examples are everywhere.
When Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen meets the press after a game, he acknowledges his coaches. He also mentions his receivers and “the quarterback room.” Everyone plays a part.
With Broadway Tony Awards, actresses and actors routinely thank their fellows on stage, the director, the producers…
But with RIOC and Lighthouse Preservation, everyone that contributed gets ghosted. Reflecting a New York State government standard, RIOC lacks the maturity for spreading the light around. It’s community busting behavior spreads like a virus throughout the organization.
On naming, neglect, and the quiet work that keeps things standing
About twenty years ago, there was Harbor Police activity near the water, just south of the subway entrance. At the time, no one really thought of it as a pier, though technically there was a small boardwalk there. Of course it wasn’t a pier. A pier implies intention.
This tracks with Amin’s background. At Butler Conservation the same was done. I’m surprised that RIOC didn’t do a thorough background check before their hire.
I’m certain RIOC did a thorough background check, and Dhru came into a terrible situation with budget legal requirements immediate.She went to the awards ceremony because there was no CEO active, and she was not fully informed of the circumstances.