Editorial

RIOC’s Sell-Out Math

If you’ve ever wondered about the value the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation places on you, as a resident, its recent actions provide a useful guide.

RIOC President Jerry Blue is pushing a proposal to convert the riverfront minischools into expensive condominiums in a project that would provide RIOC with income of $250,000 a year. Trouble is, they’d add a second floor and degrade the view from several apartments in Rivercross, Island House, and Westview.

One knowledgeable observer has put the number of apartments whose views would be adversely affected at a minimum of 16, observing that 16 wealthy newcomers would gain views at the expense of 16 existing resident families.

If you do the math, you’ll know the price at which RIOC is willing to sell you out: $250,000 divided by 16 (or more) puts the value of all your apartment’s occupants, in Jerry Blue’s eyes, at a total of $15,625 a year. Maximum.

Of late, much has been made of "the 100 Families."

Some time ago, RIOC Board member David Kraut spoke of them in a WIRE guest-shot as the key residents who are concerned, active, involved – as the people who care enough to put some of themselves into the Island’s future.

Ed Rademaker, as part of his overall charge of racism levied against all who oppose Jerry Blue’s mismanagement at RIOC, somehow transmuted these solid citizens into a wilful group with selfish motives. In The New York Times, he accused them of being "educated," among other offenses.

There are far more than 100, of course, but if Rademaker wants to turn involvement and caring into a sin, let us all become part of this band of 100 sinners, and soon. The invisible badge of the Roosevelt Island 100 can be worn with pride.

AVAC Redux

Once again, Mayor Rudy Giuliani has pulled the budgetary plug on Roosevelt Island’s garbage-disposal system. Without AVAC, we’d soon have a rat problem, as garbage accumulated in buildings, then on the street, waiting for the traditional kind of pickup by truck that serves the rest of the City.

With AVAC, we have a lower-cost system that’s quiet (no garbage trucks on Main Street), less smelly, safer, and esthetically suited to the Island.

Giuliani, who’s had a year to learn why it was a bad idea to cut AVAC from the budget last year, needs to hear from Islanders: Call 788-9600, then key 1 to record your view; or fax him at 406-3587. The mailing address is City Hall, New York, NY 10007.