I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2004.

Dick Lutz, publisher and editor of The WIRE, prompted the content for this installment by passing along several questions from Island residents on a number of issues ranging from the nation’s Orange Alert status from the Department of Homeland Security to broken streetlights near the subway.

One resident wanted to know what RIOC was doing regarding the elevated alert status announced over the holidays.  The answer is RIOC has been implementing several safety initiatives since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

First, New York City, unlike the rest of the country, has been on Orange Alert since 2001.  RIOC staff has coordinated its safety efforts with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the NYPD and the City Office of Emergency Management.  Activities include, but are not limited to, Tram safety procedures – which have been in place for years – evacuation plans, and strategic planning for all of New York City.  As both Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg have stated on numerous occasions, New York City is well protected and that includes the Island.

One thing I did have to order over the holidays was the closing of Southpoint.  This was viewed as a prudent act by law enforcement due to Southpoint’s proximity to potential targets in New York City.  Many of you may have noticed since 2001, law enforcement agents are often on the Island, especially when the United Nations is in session.   City OEM also has provided RIOC with booklets we distributed to the Island housing companies for all residents with the advice always to have a “go” bag ready with fresh water, working flashlights, toiletries and other items one might need in an emergency.

Motorgate was the subject of another query regarding the abandoned automobiles in the garage and the length of time it takes to remove them.  I can report that the garage operators have checked all of the vehicles and that the legal process is under way to remove them.  Since the vehicles are private property, until they are legally declared abandoned, the process takes time.

A resident also wanted to know about the out of order streetlights at the subway.  The lights had shorted out during the recent rains and snow and the timer had malfunctioned.  Once last week’s rains stopped we repaired them.

Mr. Lutz asked me whether RIOC had proposed extending the ground leases for Westview and Island House.  The short answer is no, but we have received a preliminary offer about extending the ground leases.  This has not even risen to the level of informal discussions and should the matter proceed, it will receive full consideration.  At this time there are no plans for it to be on the Board agenda.  It should be stressed that although many residents have linked this to potential buy-outs from the Mitchell-Lama program, RIOC plays a very limited role in this process.

Mr. Lutz also forwarded an anonymous complaint stating that no one had answered the phone at the Public Safety Department for more than 90 minutes.  Right now, I am investigating this complaint.  Any time there is a breakdown in communication it is completely unacceptable.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that I will be holding two Open Houses here at RIOC offices so I can get to meet even more people and listen to their ideas and concerns.  The first Open House will be Tuesday, January 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., for residents of Eastview and Manhattan Park.  The next evening, Wednesday, January 14, also from 5 to 7 p.m., will be an Open House for residents from Westview, Island House, Rivercross and Southtown.  I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Please don’t forget to log onto our website at www.rioc.com and register for e-mails of RIOC advisories and announcements.  Again, a happy and healthy New Year to all.