A Roosevelt Island Tipster shared this photo
and reported yesterday:
This is heartbreaking. I just passed by it. I really love those bushes.
I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels:
Why is RIOC taking down the bushes across from the Riverwalk buildings above the Promenade? Will they be replaced? Why no public announcement before bushes being taken down? I’m told they are being replaced with flowers.
Mr Bryant answered:
We’re doing some road and sidewalk work at that crosswalk that necessitated removing the bushes. We’re looking to fix some persistent issues that caused icing in that area in the wintertime and improve sidewalk access for wheelchair users. It’s correct that we’ll be replacing the bushes with some new plantings after the work is complete and we did consult with the Garden Club and iDig2Learn beforehand to get their feedback.
It’ll look nice and improve the Manhattan views.
Be clear about this, the bushes, like the gorgeous red maple two years ago, are coming down at the behest of Related to increase the value of condos in Southtown. River views sell on Roosevelt Island. Nature doesn’t anymore. Shame on iDig2Learn and The Garden Club elitists for not blowing the whistle and going along with this debacle.
Very sad!!! Particularly sad because apparently no public input or request for any. What is the matter with the RIOC Board? Clearly, they do not represent Island residents effectively.
Is there at least one member of the RIOC board who is a design professional? A landscape architect would be ideal.
How about leveling the asphalt walkway near that spot which turns into a huge puddle, and ices over during winter? Why is the railing along Eleanor’s Peir blocked off by ugly barricades? Is it under repair or permanently closed off?