Many city managers and operational corporation CEOs would find their work in maintaining the status quo. Still, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation CEO Shelton Haynes has big plans for his two-mile-long East River island. With literally dozens of projects over the past few years, Roosevelt Island has seen significant growth and fresh opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, visitors, and tourists. Here’s a quick look at just a few of Mr. Haynes’ incredible Roosevelt Island projects.
Shelton Hayne’s Big Plans
What kind of projects can we expect from Shelton Haynes? Only the best ones can help ensure that the island continues to see strong, steady growth without overstepping its capabilities. These projects include:
- The Roosevelt Island Youth Center saw a $2.1 million renovation to provide a wide range of youth engagement, development, and academic opportunities, providing a safe space for youth to engage in educational, recreational, and enrichment opportunities. Promoting personal development, team building, and social discovery, Shelton Haynes marks it as his landmark project.
- The dedication of the FDR Hope Memorial commemorated the island’s namesake. Produced with help from the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, it wasn’t the only park to receive ADA updates, with Blackwell Park receiving $1 million in renovations to improve ADA compliance.
- The Tram Elevator Project is a new elevator featuring an all-glass facade to improve the station’s functionality and appearance with two new ADA-compliant cabins. With two eight-passenger elevator cabs replacing one non-ADA-compliant four-passenger elevator, the tram now has four times the access, making it much easier for the island’s diverse resident population to travel.
- The Lighthouse Park Tower Project continues the work of 19th-century architect James Renwick. Since its 1872 construction, the lighthouse has undergone partial restoration in the 1940s, including induction in the National Register of Historic Places. The $2.6 million renovation repaired severe damage from Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, including masonry restoration, extensive repairs, replacement of the spiral staircase, and door and window restoration.
- The Girl Puzzle, an arresting series of five massive bronze sculptures by Kentucky artist Amanda Matthews, was unveiled in late 2021 to commemorate women like Nellie Bly, who met adversity with resilience. “We’re so proud to house this important and awe-inspiring monument that all New Yorkers can take pride in,” said Shelton Haynes in a recent interview. Bly was best known for her articles detailing inhumane conditions within insane asylums in the 19th century, leading to dramatically improved conditions.
Bright Future For Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
By taking care of his extensive plans for the future, Shelton Haynes is making a promising future for people of all abilities and ages on Roosevelt Island, whether they are island residents, city day-trip visitors, or travelers from far away. This planning will provide a promising future for the island long after other parts of the city have faded with age, both in terms of economy and community. With guidance like this, the island will continue to be a hot spot for visitors for many years.
