In 1984, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation was created as a public benefit corporation. It’s mission is to plan, design, develop, operate and maintain Roosevelt Island’s facilities and services. This includes managing the island’s urban infrastructure such as bridges, roads and utilities; developing property for residential use; maintaining the island’s parks and open space; providing high quality services to residents of Roosevelt Island.
Aida Morales, Chief of Staff at RIOC, has been a leading force in that effort, spearheading the planning and implementation of new programs and services that have improved the Roosevelt Island experience for both residents and visitors alike.
Morales has led RIOC to focus on four main areas:
- Improving facilities’ upkeep.
For example, the Blackwell House, which is almost 100 years old, required a major overhaul. The conversion of this historical building into a museum was a project completed by RIOC, designed to revitalize the island’s sense of history and culture. Since Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation took on the project, more people have visited this museum.
In addition, RIOC has also been working to restore the island’s youth center, making it into a state-of-the-art facility for providing high quality programs for the young people of Roosevelt Island.
Aida Morales also spearheaded the restoration of the Lighthouse Tower, a tourist attraction site and a landmark for the island.
- Serving residents with all their needs.
To address the growing needs of Roosevelt Island’s residents, RIOC has been developing programs and services that help keep Roosevelt Island affordable and clean for present and future generations.
For example, RIOC has been providing support to the island’s homeless population by assisting with shelter, job training and serving as a clinic for health care needs.
And through its various services to seniors, such as offering transportation to appointments, RIOC is helping to prevent isolation and provide elderly residents with a variety of activities.
- Enhancing the community’s quality of life.
Aida Morales has been a leader in making Roosevelt Island an enjoyable and safe place for children, families and neighbors to come together.
- Balancing the residential community’s values and interests.
RIOC’s recent concentration on community-integrated service is a reflection of community values and the desire to strengthen the island’s residential community.
In this spirit, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has been working to improve the Island’s open space and greenspace, as well as its parks system. Morales has been committed to keeping Roosevelt Island a viable place to live.