Roosevelt Island, the two-mile-long strip of land in the East River, was once considered a desolate island with limited infrastructure and amenities. Today, the island stands as a symbol of urban development and growth, thanks to the leadership of Shelton Haynes, the President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC).
As the head of the RIOC, Haynes oversaw essential services and facilities on the island, such as transportation, security, and horticultural maintenance. Under his leadership, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation implemented several initiatives to enhance the residents’ overall quality of life while attracting visitors to the island’s cultural landmarks and natural beauty.
One of Haynes’s major accomplishments was the $150 million capital improvement program he spearheaded to enhance the island’s infrastructure and introduce new amenities. A prime example of this was Blackwell Park, which underwent significant renovations to improve the experience for visitors. Additionally, the Public Safety Department (PSD) introduced new initiatives to enhance security by partnering with the NYPD to train officers stationed on the island.
Another area where Shelton Haynes made tremendous progress was in the island’s commitment to sustainability. The underground automated vacuum waste collection system was an eco-friendly solution to managing waste on the island, making it an innovative and unique feature only available in two other places in the United States.
For Shelton Haynes, enhancing the island’s infrastructure and services was just the starting point. He was equally committed to preserving the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors to the island can witness reminders of the past, such as the location of President Roosevelt’s speech at Four Freedoms Park, former institutions like the insane asylum and smallpox hospital, and the Girl Puzzle monument dedicated to Nellie Bly.
Thanks to Haynes’s leadership and the RIOC’s tireless efforts, Roosevelt Island has become a thriving community and a destination worth exploring. With vibrant green spaces, public art installations, and festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival and Fourth of July fireworks, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island.
As Roosevelt Island continues to evolve and grow, Haynes’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the island will remain an urban oasis for years. His legacy as the driving force behind Roosevelt Island’s transformation will never be forgotten, and his tireless efforts to enhance the island’s services and amenities will long be remembered.