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,...
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.
Fixing RIOC entails a slew of long-overdue changes, yet nothing is as dysfunctional as its secretive, morally compromised board. The catalogue of misconduct is extensive. For any hope of improvement at RIOC, it is imperative to oust at least two…
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) is facing a critical situation, with its board of directors under scrutiny. Board members are expected to fulfill fiduciary duties, provide strategic oversight, and manage other responsibilities such as board composition, management oversight, and fundraising. The corporation’s future hinges on their ability to effectively execute these responsibilities.
The notices were late due to a clerical miscue, but both prompted a What’s Up? response, especially the daytime schedules. Did RIOC ever have a midday board meeting before? by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News So, What’s Up…
Battle for Democracy on Roosevelt Island: RIOC’s Board
Roosevelt Island residents demand a voice in RIOC’s board, challenging Albany’s control. Progressives clash with hard-right members and ex-officio allies, seeking transparency and accountability. Senators Krueger and Seawright are crucial allies in this struggle, as mismanagement and financial woes plague the island. The time for change is now.
BrightView snagged a landscaping contract but landed a Christmas decoration deal too, with little experience. An eyebrow-raising $200,000 no-bid contract left the RIOC board scratching their heads. The twist? The same company accused of pesticide misuse won. Westchester vendors? Check. NYC? Not so much. It’s a classic tale of government quirks.
The June 2024 RIOC board meeting revealed concerning truths about the organization’s operations and governance. Board members like Ben Fhala and Lydia Tang faced resistance in their efforts to bring about reforms, highlighting a lack of transparency and resistance to change. The meeting exemplified how entrenched interests hinder progress, leaving a disheartening outlook for the future.
Last night’s RIOC board meeting was a chaotic mess, plagued by bickering and bullying. The good news? Acting COO Mary Cunneen recommended axing the Palace of Versailles Bike Ramp project, saving trees and traffic hassle. Communications Director Bryant Daniels secured approval for holiday decorations from a vetted vendor, bypassing the usual suspect. #__JETPACK_AI_ERROR__
The June 2024 RIOC board meeting will discuss fiscal performance, including issues like the overcrowded Tram, loss-making Red buses, and underperforming Sportspark. Deputy General Counsel Gerrald Ellis’s departure marks the end of an era of open and responsive governance, leaving Roosevelt Island residents hoping for positive changes in leadership.
Conway Ekpo is a mystery, a walking question mark with RIOC. A successful, respected attorney, he publicly played the role of seat filler over three years on the board. Cover photo: Conway Ekpo (R) at Sportspark ribbon-cutting with Congressman Jerry…