The Manhattan Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee chaired by resident Paul Krikler hosted newly appointed Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President BJ Jones this evening. Mr Jones answered questioned previously submitted by residents and by those attending the virtual meeting.
Among the topics discussed were:
- Repurposing the old tram cabins currently rotting underneath the Motorgate garage,
- Status of the Roosevelt Island Master Lease extension between NYC and NY State,
- Playground for toddlers ages 1-3 years old,
- Any plans for building affordable housing on Roosevelt Island at the decommissioned Steam Plant site
- Status of repairs for Eleanor’s Pier and the Boat Prow on West Promenade
- Enforcing traffic stops for pedestrian safety
- Folding Double Wide Strollers on the Tram
- Keep the Z Bricks
- Priority Boarding Pass For Roosevelt Island Tram available to anyone as long as it is picked up on Roosevelt Island
Mr Jones noted that he appreciated the comments by residents and will look into all of the issues raised. As expected given his brief exposure to Roosevelt Island issues, he did not provide any answers or new information but he did listen attentively. It was a very good start for the Roosevelt Island community with the new RIOC President.
Here’s the full CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee discussion with RIOC President BJ Jones.
After the discussion with Mr Jones, the Committee discussed and passed a motion opposing the MTA’s plan to switch the F Train service with the M train. The resolution stated:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Manhattan Community Board 8 formally opposes the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed weekday F and M subway line swap; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the MTA to rescind its current plan and develop a revised proposal that equitably addresses the subway needs of Roosevelt Island residents.
Last Sunday, around 8:35am PSD car zoomed pass the zebra crossing without stopping while I was crossing. I had to stop for them pass before I crossed. So I don’t know how PSD can enforce the law for the safety of pedestrians if they will not stop at a zebra crossing.