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The RIRA Column
As we commence the New Year, it might be worthwhile
to review what went right and wrong in our neighborhood in the last
year, in the hopes that we can do better in 2006.
On the upside, Eastwood residents struck a deal with
their building owner. While some folks were moved into smaller
apartments, at least all are assured that they can continue to remain in
their homes without the fear of dramatic rent increases. This deal was
the result of hard work and a willingness to negotiate on both sides. If
only the new owners of Island House and Westview can approach the
negotiations with their tenants in the same spirit, then this could be a
very good year.
RIOC can help by offering reasonable ground rents as well, as an
incentive for a deal that keeps some shred of affordable housing on the
Island.
RIOC made a fair effort in beginning to patch dangerous maintenance
areas that were allowed to deteriorate over past years. RIOC finally
replaced the elevators at the south end of Motorgate. But, alas, there
are no plans currently to replace the north-end elevators, due to a
disagreement with their co-owners at Manhattan Park. We should remind
RIOC frequently that while part of the upkeep of Motorgate is the
responsibility of Manhattan Park, RIOC has overall responsibility for
maintaining every part of this Island, so they need to enforce whatever
agreement they have in place to be sure that the people who need that
northern elevator get equal service. However, on the upside, they did
mention initiatives in their last operations meeting to repair cracks in
that structure and to add security cameras. They also indicated that the
first phases to stabilize and then refurbish Blackwell House will
commence this spring. And they have ordered City-standard lights to
replace the ones along the promenade. With some luck, this might be the
first summer in about eight years where we’ll be able to take an evening
stroll to the Lighthouse in something other than total darkness.
Four new buses, approved for purchase in 2001, have finally arrived.
They use fuel-saving hybrid technology and, when they go into service in
the next few weeks, they will be warmly appreciated.
And let’s not forget the new garbage cans and planters. RIOC approved
$80,000 for these amenities last spring. Before they put in the order
however, they may want to refer to an article in The New York Times
of January 9 about a series of letters from New Yorkers to Mike
Bloomberg with suggestions on what the City ought to do in the upcoming
year. Here’s one excerpt:
"NYC has 25,000 wire-mesh litter baskets," responded John J. Doherty,
sanitation commissioner. "these baskets generally cost $100 each and are
easy to service..." We also have had Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
purchase high-end litter baskets that are enclosed and have only a small
opening on the top that prevents misuse. These baskets, costing anywhere
from $400 to $700, are maintained by the BID but are serviced by
Sanitation.
In spite of these numbers, RIOC has somehow managed to find trash cans
costing $2,000 each. While I think we all applaud doing whatever
is necessary to keep our streets litter-free, why in the world would
RIOC spend $80,250 for 40 trash cans? Maybe our garbage won’t stink, but
this deal sure does.
Also, residents should keep an eye out for the responses to the RFIP’s
that were issued in September. Bidding closed on November 30 so we
should hear something soon about who bid on what and see what the future
holds for more development on the Island. This is basically a plan that
will wreck the Island. In a last minute fire sale before a new
administration is elected, RIOC proposes to sell off the area east of
Coler Hospital, Motorgate garage, all the commercial property on Main
Street, the area occupied by the power plant, Sportspark and the tennis
facility, and part of the northern section of Southpoint Park. They have
put this plan in motion without even a single minute of public
discussion, and without the input of at least three of the Board Members
with whom I have spoken. RIOC’s stated position is that there’s nothing
final here. They only asked developers for an "expression of interest".
Let’s take them at their word and let’s take it one step further. If
they want developers who don’t live here to "express their interest",
let’s assume they also want the residents to "express theirs". Let RIOC
know we don’t want to lose any more parkland. Contact your state
legislators, Senator Jose Serrano and Assemblyman Pete Grannis and tell
them that we want a plan we can live with, before the Island gets hacked
up and sold to whatever cronies the Governor owes a favor to.
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Public Safety Officer Raphael Payne |
This
column, as well as a majority of residents, has frequently been critical
of the way RIOC fails to manage our Public Safety Department, but that
is not the fault of the officers who serve us, the majority of whom are
diligent and courteous. Particular and heartfelt thanks to Public Safety
Officer Raphael Payne, who responded immediately to a frantic call from
a resident with an unconscious infant who had stopped breathing. Officer
Payne raced across a courtyard and up four flights of steps, cleared the
baby’s breathing passage and administered mouth to mouth resuscitation
until the baby coughed and began breathing again. This is public service
at its highest and noblest order.
Sadly, another great public servant – Charles DeFino – is leaving his
post as Director of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program. Charlie took
over a moribund organization in the early ’90s and built an impressive
array of scholastic, athletic and recreational programs that have
benefited our kids immensely. Charlie has extraordinary skills as a
fundraiser, and has wonderful vision for creative and successful
programs. Like many of you, I am indebted to Charlie for the years of
indelible memories my family has had as participants and spectators in
the Youth Center’s many programs. We wish him all the best in his new
position, thank him for his many years of service, and hope he’ll come
back to visit often.
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