Shelton Haynes on Upcoming Roosevelt Island Projects

With an amazing amount of history on Roosevelt Island, it's easy to get caught in the past, but Shelton Haynes knows that keeping his eye on the future will make all the difference to the 147-acre island in the East River. With a long history of institutions, the island is becoming a hot spot for day trips from the city or tourists from all over the world. However, Mr. Haynes' focus on the future means that continuous renovations, reconstructions, and expansions of projects are making Roosevelt Island a better place than ever to live, work, and play.

Shelton Haynes Building a Strong Community 

In recent articles, Shelton Haynes felt that there were several special upcoming projects to highlight. Responsible for much of the extensive growth that the island has seen over the past few years, Mr. Haynes' position as CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has given him the opportunity to build a strong, vibrant community in addition to his many projects.

• As a $12 million project, the recently reopened Roosevelt Island Sportspark Renovation Project provides a great location for the community to pursue health, wellness, and fitness, along with meeting and event spaces.
• The $4 million Blackwell Park revitalization is upgrading the park's playground equipment, providing park-goers with a comfort station including ADA-compliant bathrooms, providing areas for fitness and basketball courts, and is improving its landscaping. 
• More demand for delivery services has resulted in the Roadway and Paved Surfaces Rehabilitation, an island-wide traffic study designed to improve the island's transportation network, including street repaving and improved signage.
• Featuring a $10 million transformative capital project, the Lighthouse Park Reconstruction/Expansion expands the park's usable area by repurposing parking lots into active spaces to better serve the community.
• A bike lane project is enabling the RIOC to create an East Promenade bike lane to make biking safer and improve the community's overall quality of life, with the project supported by an FHWA TAP transportation grant covering $5 million of the $7 million project.

Nonprofits in RIOC

Several other nonprofits have sprung up around the island's improvements as well, as mentioned in a recent interview. “We are proud to assist these dedicated nonprofits in their service to the Island,” said RIOC President and CEO Shelton Haynes. “The New York Community Trust’s expertise improved the grantmaking process this year and will help the grantees strengthen their operations for the future.”

Bright Future Ahead 

With a strong dedication to building a better, stronger community on Roosevelt Island, Shelton Haynes has one eye firmly fixed on the future while respecting the island's long and unique past. Considering projects that appeal to both Roosevelt Island residents, day trippers, and tourists alike, the island is one of the hidden gems of New York City, hiding a range of amazing natural environments, city views, and small businesses. Having a professional like Shelton Haynes at the helm during this time of transition is sure to secure the island a place in the hearts of all who visit.