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May 19, 2007 |
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Two more very interesting weeks. The major items to come across our desks:
1. Roosevelt Island Youth Center: Steve Kaufman met with RIOC and advised us of the hiring of Tina Gonzalez as the new director. I assured them that RIOC was a supporter of the program. We discussed their programmatic space requirements and the possible reacquisition of funding for expansion space.
2. Steam Plant: Residents William Warren and Robert Liss, RIOC Director Mark Ponton, RIRA President Matt Katz, I, and members of the engineering staff toured the steam plant with representatives of the New York State Power Authority. We then adjourned to RIOC’s office for an extensive discussion of the possibilities of co-generation utilization, considering the age and size of the plant and, most importantly, the amount of steam usage other than for generating electricity. It is the alternative use which makes any consideration of co-generation feasible, with the amount now being used by the hospitals, Sportspark, and Motorgate for heating probably insufficient to make economic sense. NYSPA promised to inquire whether they could undertake a preliminary feasibility study, costing approximately $100,000. The manager from NYSPA has since called and indicated that he believes the equation to be insufficiently balanced and that they would not undertake the study. We are trying NYSERDA as an alternate, the Southtown developer having indicated some interest for the buildings yet to be constructed, which would give greater balance.
3. Video Conferencing: Our capability of video conferencing via webcasting is now established in RIOC’s offices to facilitate the ability of Board members to participate in Committee meetings even when their day jobs may prevent them from physically being on the Island. Live webcasting for Board meetings will be in place in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, which has now been extended to require closed caption capability, complicating the process and making it much more expensive.
4. Vice President of Operations: On the Board of Directors agenda for the meeting of May 17, 2007, is the election of Fernando Martinez as the Vice President for Operations. Mr. Martinez comes well recommended and has extensive experience in other governmental agencies, having worked for the MTA, HUD, and others, and has most recently been engaged in the development of the campus for Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn. I expect Mr. Martinez to be a very valuable addition to RIOC’s team. I do want to express my thanks to Jim Fry, who has been filling the VP-Operations job on a temporary basis since January, while continuing, at the same time, with his leadership as head of the Public Safety Department.
5. Emergency Response Plan: As required by law, RIOC has drafted an Emergency Response Plan, coordinated with City and State emergency response agencies. RIOC invited RIRA to have designated representatives come to our office to review the plan with Michael Moreo, our Emergency Response Officer. Their comments and suggestions will be considered before the Draft is finalized and forwarded to the agencies having primary responsibility. Their input is welcome.
6. Handicap Lift: The lift on the Manhattan side is operational and the requisite filings done. We are going to install a camera/intercom to facilitate usage, remembering that the operator of the Tram must be summoned as the lift is only to be used when the elevator will not accommodate the need.
7. Manhattan Park & Motorgate: We met with the principals of Manhattan Park to discuss matters of common interest, including the elevator and escalator operations (or lack thereof). We have tentatively agreed, assuming the past studies are true that the escalator is no longer of any significant use (it was originally a design element to take the passengers from the Queens bus routes, which did not come down to the surface of the Island), to relieve RIOC of the obligation to restore and run the escalator, and RIOC would participate with Manhattan Park in the reconstruction of the elevators now not functioning. There would need to be a reorientation and weatherproofing as part of the reconstruction, as the design under which they were built permits the infiltration of water in any heavy storm, which is deleterious to motors and controls. Further advice to follow.
8. RI Historical Society: The kiosk has been placed on its foundations. We think we have located an authentic lighting fixture from the Island’s past that will go with the décor. Judy Berdy is really on top of this project!
9. Bicycle Racks: They have arrived and been installed at the Tram. Please use them, as chaining bikes to the fence is not allowed and, after an initial warning period of grace, will be dealt with by Public Safety.
10. Main Street Beautification: We have contracted with the florist shop for a small beautification project to brighten Main Street. The first sample is the flower pot on the curb in front of our office. A work in progress.
11. Red Bus: (A) We will be rerouting the Red Bus as the present turnaround at the Tram will be extinguished effective Monday, May 21, 2007. The first stop southbound will be on the west side at the subway station, where those wishing to board can do so after the discharge of passengers, then on to the Tram and then back north on New Main Street (the east loop). A shelter will be located outside the Riverwalk sales office at a new stop for northbound buses. There will no longer be a northbound bus stop outside the subway station. See the diagram below.
(B) The experiment with revising the morning rush hour schedule by cutting the northernmost loop of a local bus seems to be working, judging by the low volume of complaint and my personal observation of the ability of passengers to board in front of my window at 591. I think we have the signage straightened out and will adjust the electronic crawler when the change gains permanence.
12. Blackwell House: Work is proceeding. With the advent of good weather, roofing, siding, and interior work are being done, with a projected completion date of June 30, 2007. We will be monitoring progress closely so that the usual slippage in construction projects does not carry too far.
13. Seawalls: Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, City Councilmember Jessica Lappin, and Assembly candidate Micah Kellner held a press conference on May 14, 2007, at Lighthouse Park to emphasize their support for the funding application made by RIOC at the invitation of Congresswoman Maloney and inserted into the non-defense Appropriations Bill. While too soon to tell, all the support that can be mustered from both the City and State should be sought. The Governor’s office in Washington is promoting the item. Councilmember Lappin will try to enlist the City. Rep. Maloney is arranging a meeting with the Army Corp of Engineers so that their expertise and support can be lined up. Cross your fingers.
14. Verdant Power: The Island was visited on May 14, 2007 by a delegation attending the conference of Mayors in the City to see a green power project in operation. The Island is making news worldwide by supporting this experiment.
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15. Southtown: On the Board of Directors’ Agenda for the May 17 meeting is the standard override of City zoning requirements (parking, setback, and other non-health and safety issues) that will enable groundbreaking to begin for Southtown buildings 5 & 6 in the very near future. The first step is the elimination of the turnaround at the Tram station on Monday (May 21), necessitating the revisions to the bus routing outlined above.
16. Lease Extensions: Last, but not least, certainly to those living in the three remaining Mitchell-Lama housing buildings, we have had and continue to have virtually non-stop discussions on lease extensions and affordable housing. RIOC’s core public purpose continues to be the fulfilling of the master plan under the GDP. There is more to affordability than the present occupants, as public policy requires consideration of the next generations during the remaining period of the Master Lease, still some 60 years away, before all reverts to New York City.
Please bring to my attention any issues that you think RIOC may be helpful in resolving by writing to the office at 591 Main Street, by phone (212-832-4540) or e-mail (SShane@RIOC.com). If you want to come in and discuss any items in person, please call my assistant, Karline Jean, to make an appointment.