Res 0485-2023

Whereas, Roosevelt Island is located along New York City's East River, within the borough of Manhattan, and spans nearly 2 miles in length; and Whereas, Roosevelt Island is home to approximately 12,000 residents as well as the campus for Cornell Tech; and Whereas, In an effort to help manage the island's residential community and businesses, in 1984, New York State established the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC") as a public benefit corporation; and Whereas, The RIOC is charged with planning, designing, developing, operating and maintaining Roosevelt Island; and Whereas, The RIOC is also responsible for managing Roosevelt Island's roads, parks, buildings and public transportation; and Whereas, Additionally, the RIOC operates the island's Public Safety Department, ensuring that residents and visitors are provided a secure environment; and Whereas, The RIOC is an instrumental component in the daily operation and safety of Roosevelt Island; and Whereas, Title 35 of the New York State Public Authorities Law establishes the RIOC, its powers and the organization of its board of directors; and Whereas, The RIOC board of directors is comprised of nine members who are appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the New York State Senate; and Whereas, The RIOC is the governing body of the daily operations of Roosevelt Island and the board of directors should be elected by the island's residents; and Whereas, Roosevelt Island should have the autonomy to elect its representatives and be free from gubernatorial appointment; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature and Governor to amend the New York State Public Authorities Law by granting residents of Roosevelt Island the power to vote for member of the board of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. WJH LS 10577 1/13/22