Brian E. Baker
Director of Leasing
Manhattan Park

I recently sent you a letter about the living conditions in Manhattan Park, which was published in The WIRE. As you might recall, my complaints focused on a particularly noisy apartment occupied by students from Marymount Manhattan college.

Your immediate attention to my concerns has not gone unnoticed. The building installed equipment to eliminate the disruptions from my neighbor's loud, slamming door.

I often read complaints in The WIRE about deteriorating living conditions here on Roosevelt Island, while the positive efforts made by building managers and Island administrators get less recognition. That is not true this time. A sincere thanks to you and those involved in making my life here more pleasant.

cc: The WIRE

As I listened to the Q&A session between Island residents and their State-appointed guardians at the RIOC Board meeting last week, the disconnect between the governors and governed was again made painfully apparent.

Their approach to the garage rate hikes was a perfect example. Citizens complained that the increase was made with little notice, and even less explanation of what RIOC's pricing policy is. Robert Ryan first tried to exempt himself from any responsibility for the hikes, claiming that it was an "issue that residents should take up with the garage Management Company." When it was pointed out that Ryan himself must approve all increases before they go into effect, Leo Kayser gleefully seized the offensive by suggesting that RIOC should get out of the game entirely and leave the management of the garage to "free enterprise" and let the rates be dictated by "supply and demand."

Now, I'm no expert in government policy or economics, but I do remember some of my basic schooling, which I think still holds true today. The Motorgate garage has a monopoly on an inelastic commodity. It has a monopoly because there is no alternative; it's the only garage on the Island and parking is prohibited on our streets. It is inelastic because even if the price doubles, more than half the users will probably pay the fees. In fact, if RIOC raises rates to even 3,4 or 6 times as much, their total income will probably not fall.

If RIOC were a profit-maximizing concern (such as a private business), it makes perfect economic sense for them to keep raising the rates until their total revenue begins to fall. This may mean that the garage is half-full and rates are three times higher. But is it proper public policy for the government to fleece its citizens of needed services simply because they can? Why not start doubling and tripling the water and electric rates as well? Most people will still pay the increased rates, and the rest can be thirsty and cold.

RIOC member John Mannix characterized the role he sees RIOC playing as "essentially, a Real Estate Management organization." I think that pretty well sums up why it's time for these guys to go. They ain't too good at "management" anyway, and what we need is actual government: elected officials accountable to their constituents and working for the best interests of the community.

Just wanted to express my appreciation for the consideration RIOC has shown for the community. In particular, the lovely color blue that identifies the fence surrounding Blackwell Field was well thought out. It enables us to differentiate our parks, whose fences are obviously color-coded; the green distinguishing Octagon Park and the blue distinguishing Blackwell Park.

May I suggest red for the fence surrounding Southpoint so that we can clearly identify every park where we can no longer view distinct characteristics such as grass and trees.

Many thanks.

I arrived at the Chapel at 5:47 p.m. Thursday, February 15, and heard the announcement that the public meeting would start at 7:00. I waited until 7:35 but couldn't wait any longer.

What I wanted to bring to RIOC's attention is the following:

A great many years ago several seniors were moving to Florida, at least for the winter, and I was asked about it, too. "I would never move from Paradise Island," I wrote The WIRE.

We spend a fortune on RIOC for which we're getting a Southtown development no one cares for - but Northtown has been converted into Litter Island.

For more than two months, the same papers have been spread over Main Street in front of Montauk Credit Union and Cards 'n Gifts. In last week's windstorm, some of the papers were moved north and new ones, plus a small cardboard container, were added there.

None of this seems to have disturbed our overpaid carpetbagger political appointees. It has not occurred to them to hire a sanitation worker for an hour or so daily to walk Main Street and River Road and remove litter, or to ask Public Safety, which has been reported not to answer its phone or do vertical inspections in Eastwood, to do that walk and order the stores in back of the litter to remove it. I see no conflict in having Public Safety enforce public decency.

Or is it to be Litter Island?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for attending my 90th birthday party. It was such a pleasure to see all my old and true friends again.

Thank you for your beautiful gifts. I hope to see you soon.

Love to all of you!