I want to start by announcing the news that everybody was waiting for - the Roosevelt Island Bridge will now remain in a fixed position for the foreseeable future. The New York City Department of Transportation received word from the Coast Guard that all boats are now permitted to use the west channel until further notice. We were told that this could change at any time, but for now we are thrilled that the lobbying efforts of RIOC, Island residents, and the DOT appear to have worked.

This fall season seems to be bringing much good news to the Island. The work on the ramp is now completed and the work on the street by Gristede's and Manhattan Park will start soon. We are coordinating with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure that the constant water main breaks in that area are repaired before the work is done so that the road does not buckle again. The areas that can be repaired without DEP are going to be performed first. I appreciate your patience as this work is done.

The Fall season also brings two new officers to Public Safety. I want to welcome them to Roosevelt Island and RIOC. If you see officers Eben Lugo and Teresa Richardson please stop and say hello. I am sure that they would both appreciate it..

The meeting between the Office of Emergency Management, RIOC, and RIRA is now confirmed for October 19. Keyspan will also be present at the meeting, and the topic will be the power plant and electrical issues. I look forward to reporting more about this in my next column. I know that there are several areas of interest both unique to Roosevelt Island and in general that will be discussed.

I am also happy to announce that Grandpa Al Lewis agreed to have a playground on Roosevelt Island named after him. He has given so much to the community and has always been a great friend to the Island's children. This is a way to thank him for all of his contributions. The naming ceremony will take place as part of the annual Halloween parade. This year's parade, which will take place on October 30, will end at the Grandpa Al Lewis playground next to the handball courts. I invite everyone to join us at the ceremony. It is my great hope that Grandpa will be able to join us as well.

We invite all Island children to come to the RIOC offices to Trick or Treat. This year, due to the fact that the holiday falls on a Sunday, the treats will be available on Monday November 1. I am disappointed that I will not get to see everyone in costume on Monday, but it is always a pleasure to be able to give out treats!

The past few weeks has seen a great increase in the number of people playing tennis at the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. Now that the tennis bubble in Queens has closed for good, many of the members have come to the Island. I want to take this opportunity to welcome all the new players and invite them to visit all of the Island stores. There are several different places to eat, an art gallery, and several shops.

Last Saturday and Sunday brought even more visitors to the Island. Roosevelt Island was once again a featured stop for OpenHouseNewYork. Many visitors came to see Southpoint and the Renwick Ruins. We appreciate the efforts of the Roosevelt Island Historical Society. They provided information and tours for several hours on both days.

It was hoped that Verdant Power's alternative energy project would also bring people to the Island. It seems that the project has hit a slight delay in getting some of the necessary approvals from the environmental agencies. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

I would like to take this opportunity to enlist your help. It appears that someone, or a group, have been taking the bricks from the stairway and patio behind Blackwell house. We are working to repair that area and ask that, if you see anybody vandalizing this or any area, you immediately report it to Public Safety. As I am sure you are aware, our grounds and maintenance crews have spent a bit of time in the past weeks removing graffiti. It is important that we work together to prevent vandalism on the Island.

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. I know that the Halloween parade is one of the best attended events on the Island, and I am looking forward to this wonderful event. From what I am told, everyone is either in costume or is a spectator. I look forward to seeing ghosts, goblins, Elmos, and more. Enjoy!