K 679: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the inhabitancy of Roosevelt Island

 Assembly Resolution No. 679 BY: M. of A. Seawright COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the inhabitancy of Roosevelt Island WHEREAS, Roosevelt Island is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of residents living on the Island; and WHEREAS, In 1976, the Roosevelt Island Historical Society was founded to serve the community by preserving the legacy of the Island; and WHEREAS, The Society collects artifacts, documents, publications, photographs, prints and other media recording the history of the Island and its residents since colonial times to the present; and WHEREAS, Over 1,450 issues of From the Archives have been published, featuring articles on Roosevelt Island, New York City, and New York State history, edited by Judith Berdy, as well 10 years of quarterly newsletter Blackwell's Almanac, edited by Bobbie Slonevsky, with each publication reaching over 800 subscribers; and WHEREAS, The Society enriches future generations by maintaining publicly available collections, conducting programs, including tours, lectures, exhibitions, publications, and maintaining the Visitor Center; and WHEREAS, The 1909 Trolley Kiosk was acquired by the Society and relocated to Roosevelt Island where it opened as a Visitor Center in 2007, providing over 50,000 visitors and residents annually with information about Roosevelt Island history and sites; and WHEREAS, The Society works with conservation groups to preserve and protect Roosevelt Island's six landmark buildings and advocates with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), as well as New York City and outside agencies, on the needs of these and other vital structures; and WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Island Historical Society received the Landmarks Conservancy Lucy Moses Preservation Award for advocating for the restoration and preservation of Blackwell House as well as awards from Historic Districts Council, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic District, and City Council Member Gifford Miller; and WHEREAS, According to the 2020 United States Census, The 2 mile long Roosevelt Island is home to 11,722 New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Roosevelt Island is home to six buildings and structures that are New York City designated landmarks as well as appearing on the National Register of Historic Places; therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the inhabitancy of Roosevelt Island, celebrating its remarkable history, the achievements of its residents, and contributions to New York State; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, suitable engrossed, be transmitted to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society.