To the Editor:

Thank you for your editorial about the Red Bus service. I was the person asking about the bus service being expanded and was rebuffed by Ms. Colagero’s reply.

I am not usually at a loss for words, but her response shocked me. Why should I have to go out and count bus passengers?

RIOC can see by Tram and bus fares that ridership has expanded vastly since Octagon opened and the Coler staff is using the Red Bus since Octagon is so close to Coler. I am sure the drivers report the problem daily to their superiors.

It is apparent that the Commissioner spends a minimum amount of time on the Island, and is probably chauffeured around. It also shows her general disregard for the community.

The last time I asked her about renting stores I got the song and dance about not knowing how to write a lease under the new rules.

The RIOC staff has tried hard to accommodate the community and now it is time to pass the word up to the boss.

Judith Berdy

 

To the Editor and Residents:

Harry Small and I will headup a lecture series in Gallery RIVVA starting next month. We will invite Islanders and people who have a connection to the Island who have an interesting story or experience to share. Graham Cannon will do a follow-up discussion on the situation in Iraq and Afganistan. Pete Grannis and Jessica Lappin will discuss why and how they got into politics. We are hoping for a photojournalist, Peace Corp experiences, etc.

One evening, we would like to have Roosevelt Island pioneers discuss their experiences on the Island at the beginning of its existence as a residential community. If you are intereted in speaking with your neighbors, for a fun evening, please contact me at 212-223-1108.

Vicki Feinmel

 

To the Editor:

I am appalled after reading Mr. Berman claim to approve a grant of $75,000 to Island Kids while the Youth Center still seems to receive nothing. Furthermore, the fact that part of that $75,000 will go to a scholarship fund for "families that otherwise would not be able to afford Island Kid programs" only angers me further, because the Youth Program would provide all of those programs and more entirely for free, if it had the money.

Also, Mr. Berman claims that Island Kids is trying to strengthen ties and cooperation with other organizations such as the PS/IS 217 Beacon program. But ties between the Roosevelt Island Youth Program and the Beacon are already strongly established, as former Youth Program Executive Director Charlie DeFino is responsible for bringing the Beacon program to PS/IS 217, and most (if not all) Beacon program employees are former Youth Program employees. The Youth Program is open to all members of the Roosevelt Island community, not just the ones who can afford to spend $230 a program (the Youth Program is free to all). Unfortunately, the Youth Program cannot afford to provide any programs for free at the moment, because it is not being funded properly.

It is obvious by the actions of RIOC that they do not care about those of us who live on the side of the Island facing Queens. I think it’s time we all banded together and showed Mr. Berman and the rest of the RIOC board members that we will not be ignored anymore. Save the Youth Center. It is the only organization on Roosevelt Island that seems to truly care about the entire Roosevelt Island community.

Chris Montague