ROOSEVELT ISLAND – (May 3, 2019) – Executives from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) attended a meeting with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and other city agencies yesterday to develop a safety and transportation plan for the upcoming Figment Festival. In an April 25th kickoff meeting with NYCEM Commissioner Joseph Esposito, RIOC representatives Susan Rosenthal, Shelton Haynes, Jack McManus, and Kevin Brown discussed concerns which arose from the popular Cherry Blossom Festival held a few weeks prior. They requested participation from other agencies to proactively address safety, crowd control, and transportation issues for future large events on Roosevelt Island, using Figment as a test for an interagency plan.
Commissioner Esposito expeditiously contacted department heads from corresponding agencies (NYPD, DOT, FDNY, NYCEDC, MTA) to request their attention and action to assist RIOC. At this second meeting yesterday, with all the aforementioned parties, it was decided that the Public Safety Department (PSD) will work hand in hand with the 114 Precinct and Transit Authority to manage crowd and security concerns.
Transportation agencies are actively working on solutions to maintain a safe and steady flow of attendees. Vehicles are being strongly discouraged as an option for accessing the island on the days of the event. Members of NYCEM leadership will be on the island for event days to assist with any matters that may arise. A follow up meeting will be scheduled to finalize the safety and transportation plans.
The Figment Festival will take place on June 1st and 2nd primarily in Lighthouse Park, with smaller exhibits positioned at other locations on the island. Figment’s vision for art looks past the white-walled galleries and into the realm of participation. Figment NYC was held on Governor’s Island for 12 years and this will be its first year on Roosevelt Island. This will be Figment’s 70th festival, with events having been held in 20 cities and five countries.
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