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,...
RIRA: From Civic Powerhouse to Rebuilding Chapter
Once the heartbeat of Roosevelt Island civic life, the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) is in the midst of something it hasn’t faced before: rebuilding from within. Founded in 1977, RIRA was born out of necessity. Roosevelt Island was growing…
Why Are RIOC Board Meetings So Tightly Controlled?
The recent board meetings of RIOC have been criticized for resembling a scripted performance rather than a genuine public forum, with limited public comment and no responses from board members. Although RIOC has traditionally maintained silence regarding scrutiny, recent inquiries about the Public Purpose Fund have led to some acknowledgment of questions, marking a potential shift towards increased transparency. Yet, if public meetings are meant to serve the public, why does RIOC run them like scripted theater?
2025 Public Purpose Fund Recipients
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation and the New York Community Trust announced the 2025 Public Purpose Fund grants, totaling $250,000. These grants support various community initiatives, focusing on education, elder services, and the arts. Selected by a resident committee, recipients include Island Kids and the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, among others.
Free Speech Weekend Blooms on Roosevelt Island
Four Freedoms Park is hosting free events this weekend, including the Banned Book Library on Friday, showcasing challenged titles and free expression, followed by the Imagination Playground and an Art Censorship talk on Saturday. Activities run from May 16 to June 2, offering family-friendly fun and engaging discussions on creativity and censorship.
Candidate Night at Good Shepherd: Hear from Julie Menin & Collin Thompson – May 29
Roosevelt Island gets its own front-row seat in the City Council District 5 race later this month, and you’re invited—no subway ride required! The What & When Who’s on the Mic? Candidate Snapshot Julie Menin (Incumbent, Democrat) Former NYC Commissioner…
Tonight at 5:30 PM: RIOC’s Full Board Meets — Here’s Your Quick-Start Guide
RIOC’s meeting on May 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM, features an early public-comment period and a webcast. Key agenda items include insurance binders, Riverwalk 6 refinancing, and revisions to the ethics code. Attendance is encouraged for updates on community projects and budget decisions impacting local services.
Frank Farance vs. the Drift
Re-anchoring Roosevelt Island’s Civic Power “If residents aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu.”— Frank Farance, paraphrased from three decades of RIRA meetings Roosevelt Island Residents Association president Frank Farance does not do wistful. While others lament the slow…
The Meeting That Almost Muted Judy Birdy
Thirteen Minutes on Roosevelt Island’s Quiet Heroes Thirteen minutes is hardly time enough to warm a pot of tea, yet on Monday evening those scant minutes stretched long and curious across a flickering gallery of four tired squares. One of…
Main St. Resurfacing Postponed — New Dates & Detours (May 12–23)
Roosevelt Island Main Street resurfacing has shifted one week later than originally announced, giving commuters and parents extra time to plan. Here’s your updated cheat‑sheet in under two minutes. What’s changing? Work zone map 510 → 580 Main Street (outside Roosevelt Landings to the basketball…
Roosevelt Island Ferry Schedule Gets a Spring Refresh
The Spring 2025 NYC Ferry schedule introduces improvements for Roosevelt Island, including additional morning trips and revised departure times. Riders benefit from real-time updates through both the Transit and NYC Ferry apps, with fare details and transfer options highlighted. Enhanced boarding etiquette applies, ensuring a smooth travel experience for all.
David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor