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November 19, 2005 |
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The RIRA Column
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and to provide beleaguered readers with some relief from the negativity that invariably emanates from this column, I thought it might be appropriate at this time to count our collective blessings. After all, we live in a pretty great place. I can’t think of another place anywhere in this country (or any other) where there is such a diversity of race, nationality, and language in just ten blocks of residences. So, my first thanks goes to the urban planners, Johnson and Burgee, who designed Roosevelt Island in the late ’60s with a vision for a very special middle-class City environment. If we remain faithful to that philosophy, we will continue to be a special place for years to come. Of course, plans aren’t enacted unless politicians have the will and faith to fund them. Were it not for the support of Governors Rockefeller, Carey, and Cuomo, this community would never have been able to develop. These days, we’ve been very ably served by State Assemblymember Pete Grannis and outgoing City Councilmember Gifford Miller. Warmest thanks for their wonderful efforts, and very best wishes to our State Senator José Serrano and just-elected Councilmember Jessica Lappin. This community is distinguished by a number of wonderful civic organizations that make us all the richer. The Youth Center, headed by Charlie Defino, has served thousands of kids over the past 15 years. This program sponsors a rich menu of after-school, athletic, and summer programs, as well as wonderful musical events. Along with The Main Street Theatre and Island Kids, our kids from 2 to 18 have the opportunity to develop in almost any way imaginable, while the Senior Center offers a great set of programs for the older crowd. This year, the Eastwood building moved out of the Mitchell-Lama system. This move did involve some pain, as many had to relocate to smaller apartments but, thanks to the capable efforts of the Eastwood Tenants Association, residents were offered deals that will keep their apartments affordable for years to come. And thanks also to Doryne Isley, who along with the rest of Roosevelt Island Housing Management, continues to do so much for the folks on this Island. Island House and Westview are also in the process of privatization, and I am grateful to their respective Tenants Associations for their hard work, and wish them all the fortitude, sagacity, and good fortune that they can muster to get through this difficult period.
Among the many other organizations on the Island, thanks to the Disabled
Association, RIVAA, the Library, the Tree Board, and the Garden Club for
improving our quality of life. And a special thank you to the
Korean-American Association in cooperation with the Historical Society
for the lovely gardening at our traffic circle.
RIOC and our Pubic Safety Department may have significant management
problems, but that’s not the fault of the drivers, maintenance staff,
and safety officers. Thanks for your hard work, and many acts of
kindness.
Your RIRA representatives are also a hardworking bunch that deserve
thanks, as well as the entire RIRA membership (which encompasses every
resident on the Island). Finally, a personal thanks to all of you for
your friendship, warmth, and trust.
Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving and Holiday season.
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