The RIOC Column
by Herbert E. Berman, President and COO, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
Click here to e-mail Herbert Berman

As I review this column before submitting it, we are again getting reports that snow is on the way.  This has been an incredible winter with the amount of snow that has fallen, and I would again like to give credit and thanks to the RIOC grounds department, Housing Management, and the residents of Roosevelt Island for all of their cooperation and support.  It has been a winter that will be long remembered!

I am happy to report that the MetroCard has brought additional ridership to the Tram.  Since my first day on the Island people said that they would ride the Tram if they were able to use their MetroCards, both because of the convenience and the benefits of the transfer.  This has certainly been the case, and I look forward to seeing an even greater increase as more visitors come to the Island in the warmer weather.

Everyone should be aware that on occasion, like almost every piece of machinery, the MetroCard vending machines do malfunction.  If this does happen, please report the problem to the cabin attendant or other Tram personnel in the station.  If it involves any loss of money, please request an envelope to send the card to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.  The machines are maintained by that Agency, and it is that entity that will be able to make any restitution that is necessary.

I wish that I could report that everything at the Tram is all good news.  I am extremely hopeful that by the time that you read this it will all be good news.  I want everyone to know that I am angry and distressed by the fact that the elevator company has failed to complete the work on the elevator.  We call them on a regular basis and demand that the work be completed.  We have also taken other enforcement steps, apparently to no avail.  I have once again been assured that the repairs will be completed within the next two days, and hope to be able to report next time that all is well.

One last piece of Tram news.  I am sure that many of you have noticed the emergency drills that have taken place over the last several weeks.  Tram and RIOC personnel as well the Fire Department have spent two weeks going over different scenarios to ensure the safety of all Tram riders.  There will be two more weekends of tests within the next several weeks.

Please know that I am urging everyone to make sure that the quality of life is constantly improved for all Island residents from Southpoint to the lighthouse and everywhere in between.  I am aware that at the current time there has been vandalism in Motorgate.  Public Safety is working on this issue, and we hope that they will soon correct the problem.  Please be assured that this is a matter of concern for us, and we are working to ensure that it is resolved promptly.

We also had some further discussions with the State Office of Emergency Management.  As reported in the last edition, they are looking forward to scheduling some meetings for Island residents in the next several months.  I receive many inquiries about this and assure you that we will report more as it becomes available.

On a more positive topic, I am please to announce that the Mobile Mammogram Machine that visited Roosevelt Island for one day last fall will be back again this September.  Details are being finalized now, and as soon as they are available we will post them.  Please remember that in order to take part in this program you must register beforehand.

I am also pleased to announce that the Trust for Public Land has had more meetings with Island residents and, since my last column, has also received more inquiries from interested parties.  I continue to invite everyone to take part in this process.

I have heard many good reports about the Roosevelt Island Residents Association’s sock hop.  It seems that everyone had fun while also raising some money.  One of the next exciting events is the Roosevelt Island Film Festival.  This two-day event promises to be fun and fattening with all of the movies featuring Roosevelt Island and the popcorn!  For more information on that event, please contact Judy Berdy.

Finally, the issue on everyone’s mind is the red bus schedule.  I appreciate everybody’s frustrations and suggestions.  We are looking at all of the suggestions and, as stated, will have a revised schedule and/or route shortly.  We are working on this issue and thought that we would be able to have the changes in place this week.  Circumstances beyond our control prevented this, and we had to reevaluate some of the suggestions.  Please be assured that this issue remains one of our top priorities, and we are working to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the results.

I look forward to the warmer weather, spring months and additional open houses.  I do appreciate the suggestions that I receive and implement as many of them as possible.