In a statement issued Wednesday to back up comments in its member newsletter, RITA wrote, ”The officers and executive board of RITA, who represent the tennis-playing community on Roosevelt Island, are unanimous in our opposition to surrendering any current parkland in Octagon Park for development.

“In general, we strongly oppose any plan to disrupt the present tennis courts, which are currently very well utilized by the community.”

The statement continues, “In particular, any plan to destroy the present courts and build some courts on the roof of a parking garage is most vigorously opposed.  We seriously question the need for a parking facility at the site of the courts.  Our opposition is based on serious concerns regarding environmental issues, aesthetic and safety considerations, specific tennis issues (wind exposure, auto exhaust pollution, stray ball retrieval, etc.), and a pervasive fear of Roosevelt Island’s becoming increasingly less people-friendly.”