Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed into law legislation that preserves open space parkland on Roosevelt Island in New York City, and increases the number of resident appointees on the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board.

The Governor also announced today a $200,000 grant from the State Environmental Protection Fund that will help to fund the restoration and preservation of the historic Blackwell House, which is located on Roosevelt Island.

"This legislation and financial support will help to ensure that Roosevelt Island's vital parklands and the historic Blackwell House will be enjoyed by New Yorkers for many years to come," Governor Pataki said. "By increasing the residency requirement on the Roosevelt Island Board of Directors, we are recognizing the importance of having local residents determine the geographic and financial future of the Island."

Senator Olga A. Mendez said, "I am delighted that through this legislation we are able to pass two very important measures which will improve the quality of life on the Island. The first one will preserve and protect the valuable park land on Roosevelt Island. The other important provision of this bill gives the residents of the Island a majority voice on the Board. Knowing the residents as I do, there is no doubt that they will provide the most thoughtful and insightful leadership necessary to make Roosevelt Island an even better place to live."

Robert H. Ryan, President/COO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation said, "Through the vision of Governor Pataki, we're creating open space parkland on Roosevelt Island, which will be enjoyed by New Yorkers for generations to come. This announcement is just another example of how the Governor is working hard to make the Island a better place to live and work."

The legislation signed today by the Governor designates four parkland areas on Roosevelt Island -- Lighthouse Park, Octagon Park, Blackwell Park and Southpoint Park -- as statutory open space areas. The legislation ensures that these park areas will be preserved and developed for park purposes, forever guaranteeing public access and appreciation of their priceless views of the Manhattan skyline. Southpoint Park -- which will be protected from development by the new law -- has been referred to by some developers as one of the most valuable properties in the world.

The legislation also increases the number of members of the nine-person Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board of Directors who must be residents of the Island for three to five years. Under the legislation, the Governor will now appoint two members upon the recommendation of the Mayor of New York City, one of whom must be a resident, and five additional members, four of whom must also be residents. The Commissioner of the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Director of the State Division of the Budget also serve on the board.

The $200,000 grant from the State Environmental Protection Fund will be used to restore and preserve the exterior of the historic Blackwell House on the Island. Roosevelt Island was once called Blackwell's Island after the Blackwell family who controlled the Island following the Revolutionary War. Their home, which is a clapboard farmhouse, still stands in Blackwell Park and is on the City's Historic Register. The Blackwell House was built in 1796 and is the oldest standing building on the Island and the fourth oldest clapboard farmhouse in New York City.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) of the State of New York was created in 1984. Its mission is to manage, develop and operate the 147-acre island, which is located in New York City's East River and is part of the borough of Manhattan.

RIOC has promoted the development of a mixed-use, residential and commercial community that is home to more than 8,000 residents. The Island has six historic landmarks, several spacious parks and sports facilities, an aerial tramway, numerous playgrounds, a waterfront promenade and unparalleled views of Manhattan.

The Corporation continues to develop and maintain utilities, public promenades and commercial opportunities on the Island to support the private development of this mixed-used community. New York State has 67 years remaining on a 99-year lease of Roosevelt Island.