David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor
Navigating Apps with Changes in Memory: Join Our Study
December 2, 2025
Weill Cornell Medicine seeks older adults with mild memory loss for a study on improving navigation apps. Participation is valuable,...
Cracks in the Island: Public Purpose Funds
The resignation of RIOC board member Ben Fhala spotlighted transparency issues surrounding public purpose funds on Roosevelt Island. Investigative articles revealed favoritism in fund distribution, a lack of accountability, and the troubling influence of groups like RISA. The community’s voice is essential for reforming the funding process and ensuring public oversight.
BREAKING: Inspector General Report Confirms Deep Misconduct at RIOC
A newly released report by the New York State Inspector General confirms long-standing concerns about RIOC’s leadership under Shelton Haynes, detailing retaliation, procurement abuses, and a pattern of mismanagement. With former board member Ben Fhala stepping down over these very issues, Roosevelt Island residents are left demanding answers—and accountability.
Sport of the Month at RIOC: Punching Ben Fhala
Washout alert: RIOC’s board has devolved into a dysfunctional punchline after ousting Ben Fhala, the only member with guts to challenge their laziness. Hochul’s appointees cling to power, shielding incompetence while recoiling from accountability. Their failure is inevitable, leaving residents to watch as reform slips away into the abyss of stagnation.
Ben Fhala Resigns from RIOC Board, Big Win for Entrenched Hard Right Majority
Ben Fhala’s abrupt resignation from RIOC exposes the hard right’s tight grip on power and their aversion to change. Despite his efforts to reform governance and tackle corruption, entrenched board members, under Governor Hochul’s weak oversight, are content to preserve the status quo. Will anyone dare challenge this stagnation? Doubtful.
Roosevelt Island Board Tensions: A Healthy Proxy Fight for Island Governance
Roosevelt Island’s RIOC board grapples with tensions over The Landings Residents Association, reflecting healthy growth. A proxy battle emerges between progressive and conservative factions, with member Ben Fhala pushing for change. Conflicting views on submetering and governance highlight the board’s struggles, but residents hope for necessary improvements.
RIOC’s Recurring Abuse of WFF: Can It Be Stopped Now?
RIOC’s relentless abuse of the Wildlife Freedom Foundation and its founder, Rossana Ceruzzi, is a heartbreaking saga of survival against all odds. From water supply cuts to funding slashes, the dedicated team fights for the animals amidst bureaucratic indifference and cruelty. Yet, their unwavering spirit shines through, determined to protect and care for the island’s precious creatures.
Joyce Short and The Landings: Fighting for Resident Rights
The once closely-knit Eastwood complex has been torn apart by L&M Development Partner’s actions, leaving residents to fight for survival against greedy developers. Despite efforts to address concerns, a clear resolution remains elusive. The community’s anger is rising, and there is little hope of intervention from the authorities. Residents look to community activism for support.
RIOC Governance Committee Meeting: A Landmark Moment for Change
Roosevelt Island’s Governance Committee meeting signaled a fierce challenge to state authority, led by chair Lydia Tang. A pivotal focus was the quorum issue, with tensions escalating over committee membership and power dynamics. This high-stakes battle for control over hiring, salaries, and staff decisions promises more drama ahead, as reformists confront entrenched opposition.
Ben Fhala Ideas: Revitalizing Tram Operations and Revenue Generation
Since joining RIOC’s board last year, Ben Fhala has resisted a status quo that many agree isn’t working. The following are his latest, longterm ideas about Tram operations. by Ben Fhala The Roosevelt Island Daily News Fellow Community members and…
UPDATE: Roosevelt Island’s Future – Viewed From the Big Island Across the River
For a larger audience, Roosevelt Island’s future will be the topic of discussion when CB8 Zooms on Friday, February 16th. Journalist and Community Board 8 member Lori A. Bores chats with RIOC Board Member Ben Fhala and CB8 representative Paul…
David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor