Welcome to Roosevelt Island

Welcome to Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. the State of New York

Have a question about Island Operations?
Ask Erica
AskErica@rioc.com

Dated 7-20-08

Hi Erica,

I'm planning a trip to New York in September and I would like to take a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Unfortunately, my wife is confined to her wheelchair. Can you tell me if the tram is completely wheelchair accessible at both ends? Also is the bus that tours the island wheelchair accessible?

Thanks,

John Landers

Hello John,

The Manhattan side of the Tram has access by elevator and the R.I. side has a wheelchair accessible ramp. All of the Red Busses that circle the island are equipped with an unfolding ramp as well, so visiting with a wheelchair should be no problem!

Erica

Dated 7-20-08

Hi Erica,

I was wondering why Trellis was closed. We saw the notices but were curious about the specific violations, as we eat there weekly.

Thanks,

Jack

Hi Jack,

For information about Trellis' closure, or other restaurant's health reports in New York City, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/rii/index.shtml

Erica

Dated 7-14-08

Hi Erica,

I'm contemplating a move to NYC and RI looks like the place for me. However, I have a few questions that I hope you can answer for me.

1) I see apartments listed as available in the big complexes, but I also read that there are waiting lists. Can you explain this?

2) Also, I see there is a "40-45 times rent" requirement. If I work as an Independent Contractor, It will be commission only. How can I still meet this requirement?

3) And, I thought that I read that subletting is not allowed on RI. Is this true?

4) Any other resources I can check to help me decide on/plan a move?

Thanks so much.

Robert,

Roosevelt Island is a wonderful place to live, I'm glad you're thinking about moving here! First of all, there are several buildings here that reserve a percentage of their apartments for middle-low income families; these apartments are usually what the waiting lists are for. Otherwise, you should have no problem finding an available apartment.

For all of your other questions, please contact each management company on the island by visiting the following web address: http://www.rioc.com/housing.htm#companies

Erica

Dated 7-08-08

Hello Erica

I shall be coming to New York in February 2009 and am planning to use the RI Tram to visit the island. Are there any scheduled stoppages for renovation that you know of that could disrupt our trip? Also do you know whether Judy gives walking tours in the winter?

Many thanks

Nic.

Nic,

The expected shutdown and renovation of the Tram is scheduled for the spring of 2009, sometime between April and May and continuing for 6 months thereafter. The Tram should still be running just fine in February.

As for the tour, please contact Judy Berdy through the Historical Societies' website; http://www.rihs.us/. If, instead, you would like information about the historical walk, visit: http://www.riwalk.com/

Dated 7-14-08

Is there a number to call for lost items on the tram or RI busses?

If you have lost something on the Red Bus or the Tram, you can contact either Public Safety at 212-832-4545, the Tramway at 212-832-4555, or the bus garage at 212-832-4558.

Good Luck.

Erica

Dated 7-03-08

Erica,

Good day! I am trying to confirm exactly what the shuttle service schedule is after rush hours. On three occasions now, I have either taken the tram to the island or the F Train at or around 12:00 a.m. and no bus was there to meet the tram, nor did one arrive. I have waited for 30 minutes on one occasion and then 20 minutes on the other two. I watched the tram come and go, but no service.

As a single woman living on RI, it is important for me to know and also to be able confidently share with visitors, what the evening schedule of the bus is. Walking home at 12:30 a.m. is never safe regardless of RI's safety record.

Please advise. I thank you in advance for your assistance.

All the best,

Satonya Fair

Satonya,

Here is the schedule for the Red Bus service:

Mon-Thurs 6:00 AM to 2:30 AM

Friday - Saturday 6:00 AM to 4:00 AM

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM

Morning Rush Hours (M-F): 7:00 AM-10:00 AM

Evening Rush Hours (M-F): 3:00 PM-8:00 PM

Non-Rush Hour Service runs every 15 minutes

Rush Hour Service runs every 7 1/2 Minutes

Red Bus Service on Roosevelt Island

Mirrors the Tram Schedule After Rush Hour

If you should incur any future problems with the bus service, please call our office at 212-832-4540.

Erica

Dated 7-03-08

Hi Erica,

I have been very intrigued by the "little castle" on Roosevelt Island for a couple of years. I finally read about it on the RIOC website but it doesn't mention whether or not it is accessible to visit. If so, how far of a walk is it from the tramway? I live on the Upper East Side and this would be a really fun day trip sometime!

Thanks!

Isabelle

Isabelle,

Since the Renwick Ruins is unstable, there is a fence about 25 feet from the building. However, you can still get a good view of the Ruins from behind this fence. The Ruins are located inside of Southpoint park, which closes at sundown. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Tramway.

The Renwick Ruins is currently undergoing renovations, so you might see some construction equipment in front and some scaffolding which is currently holding up several of the unstable walls. If you would like to see the building before it is renovated, I recommend going soon!

Erica

Dated 7-02-08

Erica,

Long time living on the Island and would like to know which of the new buildings (condos) have affordable housing? Interested in purchasing if I can afford it. Thanks

Thanks in advance.

Gina

Hi Gina,

For information regarding rates in Southtown, please contact the Southtown management in each of the buildings:

Southtown 455
212-832-0472
455 Main Street

Southtown 465
212-758-6260
465 Main Street

Southtown 475
212-639-7103/7696
475 Main Street

Erica

Dated 7-01-08

Hi Erica,

My children love Blackwell Park. Can you tell me when the construction is expected to be completed? I hope before the summer is over.

Thank you,

Geanine

Hi Geanine,

Construction on Blackwell Park is currently in the development stage. Once a plan is solidified, a completion date will be set. Until then, there is not an estimated completion date.

Erica

Dated 6-25-08

Erica,

Are there swimming lessons/classes offered for children at any of the pools o Roosevelt Island?

Thanks,

Kim

Hello Kim,

Yes, there are several places that offer swimming lessons, including Sportspark's Swimming Pool which is located at the southern end of he island near the Tram. Swimming lesson's are also offered by the Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Program. The monthly rates for the Marlin's Learn-to-Swim Program at the Westview Pool and at Sportspark are as follows: $70 for one lesson every week, $100 for two lessons every week, and $120 for 3 lessons every week. Siblings get a discount and September is 50% off. The fall season starts on Saturday, September 15th at 12pm. For more information, please call Donna Masly at 212-832-4563, or email her at DMasly@rioc.com.

Good luck!

Erica

Dated 6-22-08

Good evening,

I am interested in going to Roosevelt Island; but though I know about the Tram I do not know where to go in order to get to Roosevelt Island. If you could be so kind as to direct me it will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanking you in advance for your time patience and concern in this matter.

Norma I. Rosa & Family

Norma,

The tramway is located at 59th street and 2nd avenue in Manhattan. Or, if you prefer the subway, the F train also goes to Roosevelt Island. If you are coming from Manhattan to Roosevelt island, take the Queens-bound F train with the closest stop in Manhattan being Lexington Avenue and 63rd street. If you would like more information about the F train, here is a very helpful site with all stops listed. http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/fline.htm

Erica

Dated 6-21-08

Hi Erica,

A couple of questions. Me and my wife are looking to move to the island next summer and we have 2 boys-one will be going into the 4th grade and one into kindergarten. Do you have after school programs available and if so, can you advise on costs, etc? Neither my wife nor myself can return to the island before 6PM.

Appreciate your response.

Sincerely,

Anthony

Hi Anthony,

It's great to know that you will be moving to the island. Roosevelt Island has several after school programs for children particularly the Youth Center which offers several programs. Please contact them at 212-935-3645 for more information. Please visit our website and click on Community Information and then other links. There you will find more information on island groups and organizations which is listed under Roosevelt Island Listings.

Erica

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