Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation President/CEO Subject and Correspondence Files

Arranged by president/CEO.

The New York State Legislature created the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) as a public benefit corporation in 1984 (Chapter 899) to take over development and operations of Roosevelt Island. Under the terms of this law, the commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal served as both chair and chief executive of RIOC, with a president serving as chief operating officer. This was amended in 2002 (Chapter 493) so that the commissioner now serves only as chair of RIOC's board. The president/CEO is appointed by the board in accordance with its bylaws.

Decisions of RIOC's board and president are guided by the General Development Plan (GDP) which was signed in 1969. The GDP has been amended over time and provides a plan for the development of housing, shops, and community facilities for a mixed income, handicap accessible, residential neighborhood.

This series consists of the correspondence and subject files created by the president/CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. The files mainly contain general administrative materials such as budgetary and financial records; parking and event permits; complaints regarding parking, vandalism, housing, and other quality of life issues; board meeting minutes; and similar topics on the day-to-day operation of Roosevelt Island.

Also included are materials relating to core community development functions: Roosevelt Island's General Development Plan; the rehabilitation and operation of historic structures and sites; operation of the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway and other public transportation; the New York Public Library; and policing and security. Presidents/CEOs represented in this series include Rosina Abramson (1986-1991); Jean Lerman (1991-1996); Jerome Blue (1996-1999); and Robert Ryan (1999-2003).

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.