Charlee Miller, New to RIOC Board,
Recalls “Immediate Attraction” to Island

After the State Senate confirmed Riverwalk Place resident Charlee Miller to the RIOC Board on Wednesday, The WIRE asked her to write about the appointment and her newfound life on Roosevelt Island. She was the subject of a profile in the August 26 issue. It’s on line: nyc10044.com/wire/2622/MillerCharlee.html. Her photo is on page 1.

by Charlee Miller

I had never set foot on Roosevelt Island until December 5, 2005. I had been searching for a condominium on the upper East or West side. I wanted to sell my co-op on the Upper East Side. I met Michele Kotelchuck, the salesperson at Riverwalk Place. I would just take a look.

As I walked over to the large windows in the unit, still under construction, the view took my breath away. Rockefeller University with its beautiful architecture and red roofs and Weill-Cornell Medical Center in white brick and arched windows made a perfect backdrop.

I closed on my new condo on May 30, 2006 and on the sale of my upper east side co-op. Call it karma; whatever it was, I felt an immediate attraction to this special and unique place called Roosevelt Island. I read everything I could about its history and current state. I knew back in December that I wanted to somehow be involved in the community on Roosevelt Island. It was small enough to appreciate a sense of community and neighborhood, and big enough to require expertise to resolve some of its issues.

When I purchased the apartment in December, 2005, I walked down Main Street. I stopped in the only pizza place. The pizza was good. By the time I moved in, the pizza place was gone. It was obvious that the storefronts were empty and the feeling on Main Street was one of gloom. The few merchants that remained and Trellis, the only diner, appeared to be overdue for some improvements on their appearance. What was keeping these merchants from improving the condition of their businesses?

I became even more curious about the Island and how it was managed – or not managed. Main Street lacked luster, energy and life. One of the first people I met was Margie Smith. Then Vicki Feinmel. Margie was like the mayor of the Island. She knew everyone and she loved the Island. I told Margie that I wanted to somehow get involved. Margie shared with me many of the issues around housing, transportation, retail stores, the economy and the residents. She is very passionate about the Island and obviously very proud of this special place.

I was intrigued at the diversity of the population. I continued to meet new people all the time. The people are so friendly and the setting is like a small town. Everyone says hello when you walk down the street. I’m so impressed with the incredible talent and resources on the Island. Artists, professionals, volunteers, entrepreneurs, children, sports centers, organizations, cultural groups and the list goes on. And it was the residents that developed these venues and opportunities. What an incredible place to live.

Today [Thursday], I learned that I was accepted to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation Board.

I’m excited about serving on the Board and this community. In spite of the depressed and pathetic sight of the unoccupied stores on Main St., the dirty and dusty store windows, the view of the left over pizza place equipment, the people on Roosevelt Island are robust with energy about how they want to be heard in Albany about their Island.

When Elliot Spitzer turned out to speak at Good Shepherd in October, he said he would be looking into the challenges of the Island. He validated the residents by assuring them he was listening.

I’m committed to learning about the problems on the Island and contributing my time and skills to make it a better place. I would like to thank the people and the process that made it possible for me to become a member of the RIOC Board. Thank you.