Image of Hudson’s David Kramer from NY 1 Video NY 1 was on Roosevelt Island last Friday interviewing Roosevelt Islanders regarding plans for new stores on Main Street.
Image Of NY 1 Reporter in Front of Card Shop According to NY 1:
Part of Roosevelt Island boasts beautifully manicured lawns, new buildings, and a nice mix of new retailers, but just a few blocks north, the Main Street corridor seems a bit out of date.
“There are a lot of things that we do well, like making sure that the Island is clean, that it’s safe and secure, we promote a lot of activities here, but retail is not our expertise, and so we wanted to partner with someone who could provide us with that level of expertise,” said Fernando Martinez, vice president for operations at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation…
and:
… Hudson/Related representatives say they surveyed all 14,000 island residents and quickly learned what they want: things like a wine shop, an ice cream parlor and a pet store.
Some Island residents NY1 spoke with say they’re not entirely sure what to expect. Others already have a wish list.
“A lot of people want franchise businesses, McDonald’s and Burger King,” said one resident.
“What we need is a movie. Small, not big,” said another….
Click here to read the entire article and watch the video. Is, as the Hudson/Related representative claims, a pet store really wanted on Roosevelt Island? Well, dogs and pets are not wanted on the Riverwalk Commons Lawn,
Firefighters Field,
Roosevelt Landings Courtyard,
Roosevelt Island Historical Society Visitors Kiosk Lawn,
Blackwell Park Lawn,
Rivercross Lawn 
Manhattan Park Lawn,
Riverwalk Building Tree Planters and Lawn,
and the Octagon Park Lawn.
Despite not being allowed in these areas, some Roosevelt Island dog owners or walkers continue to ignore these signs and bring their dogs where they are not permitted.
Considering that pet supplies are already available at our local Duane Reade and Gristedes, is a pet store for Roosevelt Island’s Main Street a priority? There is a Main Street Town Hall Meeting scheduled for October 20 at the Good Shepherd Community Center where you can learn more about plans for Main Street retail and express your opinion to the Hudson/Related Master Leaseholder Principal David Kramer.