It appears the RIOC Board's Committee on Planning and Development may vote on the proposed conversion of Manhattan-side mini-schools into two-story condominiums in time for the matter to come before the RIOC Board at its July 8 meeting.  At a meeting of the committee this week, its Chair, Frank Angelino, told members that he hopes to take a vote June 22.

According to those attending the Tuesday night meeting, it appears the committee could tie, or vote its OK for the project when it meets June 22.

A question of whether the RIOC Board's original conditional selection of developer Diane Wilson for the project was invalid because the original presentation did not mention a second-floor addition, was answered by RIOC attorney Barbara Espejo, who said the original conditional selection covered the possibility of an added story.

The point is controversial because the RIOC Board's original resolution contained specific language accepting the structures as proposed at that time.  The resolution read, in part, "Having reviewed the Environmental Assessment Form prepared by...  Warren & Panzer...  the Directors hereby find, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, that the proposed actions will have no significant impact on the environment, and accordingly, that an Environmental Impact Statement need not be prepared." The Environmental Assessment on which the resolution is based, in turn, answers "no" to several questions that might have been answered "yes," had a second floor been part of the original plan.  Such questions include, "Will proposed action affect aesthetic resources?" The phrase, "affect aesthetic resources," is defined as including "the elimination or significant screening of scenic views known to be important to the area."

The Environmental Assessment, in which "no" answers are the basis for a decision to forego an Environmental Impact Statement, also asks, "Will proposed action affect the character of the existing community?"  This is defined, in part, as including, "Proposed action will conflict with officially adopted plans or goals," and, "Proposed action will set an important precedent for future projects."  Those opposing the project have suggested that the addition to the Island of residents able to purchase half-million-dollar condominium residences will affect the character of the community.

Espejo advised the committee that the "no" answers were accurate under procedures for preparing an Environmental Assessment.

In a drive to head off the addition of a second floor, r even a single-floor conversion of the schools, members of the Roosevelt Island community have sought alternative uses.  Some have pointed out that the City school system is likely to need the classroom space when Southtown is completed, citing an April letter in which the School Construction Working Group and the Pratt Center say they are "very excited about the possibility that [the mini-school] space could be available" for classroom use.

The Angelino committee is scheduled to walk through the mini-schools Wednesday, June 2, as part of its advisory process.