Newly Appointed RIOC President BJ Jones Removes Reserved RIOC Main Street Parking Spots And Returns Them To The Public

In April 2021, former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes ordered the removal of these 4 public parking spots from Main Street in order to be reserved for RIOC’s use.

As reported at the time:

RIOC Removes 4 Scarce Roosevelt Island Public Parking Spaces To Be Reserved For Use By RIOC President And Guests, Being A Good Neighbor Says Spokesperson – Example Of RIOC Arrogance Says Resident, Another Says RIOC Treats Residents Like Guests In Their Own Home

And:

Roosevelt Island Residents Ask Why RIOC Is So Privileged They Will Not Abide By Parking Rules That Apply To Everyone Else In The Community – RIOC Says False Parking Narrative Circulating Through Community And Attacks Media

Last week, in one of his first actions as the newly appointed RIOC President, B.J. Jones

reversed that decision. Mr Jones approved the removal of these reserved RIOC parking spots

and made them publicly available once again.

According to RIOC Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels:

In assessing overall island operations during his first week here, Mr. Jones quickly determined there was no need for RIOC to continue reserving those parking spots for its own use. Parking on the island is already at a premium and there was little reason to keep them closed off from the community. With that said, we would like to remind drivers that Motorgate still has parking available for those tired of looking for street spots. We’re a pedestrian community first, and reducing car congestion along our streets is something we’d like to encourage as we work together to keep Roosevelt Island safe and accessible for all.

Good first step from RIOC President B.J. Jones.