Or so it would seem, based on a letter carried to Albany today by four dozen Islanders intent on doing something about management. The letter, signed by Residents Association President Patrick Stewart, calls RIOC "a [public benefit] corporation that is neither of or by the public, and is most assuredly not for the benefit of the Island or for its people."

Though it fails to mention the name of Dr. Jerome Blue, Governor Pataki's appointed RIOC President, the letter is a clear attack on Blue, who was roundly denounced by nearly 200 residents at a recent Town Meeting at the Island's public school. Blue, who received no outright support at the Town Meeting, has come under increasing fire after imposing a 500-1000% increase on Little League for use of Island playing fields, for failing (in the eyes of many residents) to maintain the Island's infrastructure, and for other presumed failures including secretive conduct of Island affairs.

Though much of Blue's perceived inadequacies might be traced back to the elimination of any State subsidy for operation of the Island, Blue did not ask the Governor to include the Island in his budget, and has consistently claimed that RIOC has all the income necessary to operate the Island normally. Few residents agree, and many cite failure to maintain streets, the seawall, and parks. At the Town Meeting, RIRA President Stewart faulted Blue, as well, for failing to improve Island services or amenities. [Partial transcript]

Patrick Stewart can be reached at (212) 371-2332.

THE COMMON COUNCIL ROOSEVELT ISLAND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION April 7, 1997 Dear Elected Officials: We residents of Roosevelt Island are faced with the most critical time in our 22 year history. As you undoubtedly are aware, Roosevelt Island was conceived and created as a planned community under considerable direct New York State control rather than as simply another community developed within the City of New York. As such, and by law, many of our normal maintenance services are provided directly by the state rather than by the city. The governor has seen fit to eliminate, out of hand, both our operating and capital budgets. This has created and will continue to create, incalculable problems, if not the actual demise. of Roosevelt Island. But even more critically important than this, is the "public benefit corporation" that is entrusted with the state's administration of the Island: a corporation that is neither of or by the public, and is most assuredly not for the benefit of the Island or for its people. A government entity that is demonstrably inept, incompetent, and incapable of administering the affairs of this island as it is currently constituted, let alone to spearhead the $400,000,000 apartment and commercial complex soon to be built. I beseech you to look into the operations of Roosevelt Island, and help us solve this potentially catastrophic problem. Please also note the attached copy of the Main Street Wire, our community newspaper. It will give you a better understanding and "feel" of the situation than I possibly could in a single letter. Sincerely yours, (signed) H. Patrick Stewart President