A delegation from the Maple Tree Group (MTG) was scheduled to meet Friday with Governor George Pataki to discuss legislation to convert the appointed Board of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to a Board of residents, elected by residents.

The meeting, scheduled after The WIRE’s final deadline, was arranged by State Senator Olga Mendez.  It was originally scheduled, but postponed, for several dates prior to the September 11 attack, then delayed while the City and State coped with its aftermath.

Wednesday night, Steve Marcus, Chair of the Residents Association’s Government Relations Committee, told members of its Common Council of the meeting.  He listed a delegation of a half-dozen members of MTG, which has been working since 1997 toward legislation for a locally-elected RIOC Board supervising a professional community manager.

Legislation for locally-elected governance of Roosevelt Island has been introduced in the State Legislature several times, but has consistently foundered on legislative gridlock over the State budget, or suffered from lack of coordination and cooperation between Assemblymember Pete Grannis and Senator Mendez.  Grannis called upon MTG to get the Governor on board, which resulted in planning for a meeting through Mendez, who has the Governor’s ear, having supported him for re-election.