Revitalizing Roosevelt Island: Shelton Haynes’ Vision for a Thriving Community
Shelton J. Haynes has been a driving force as the CEO and President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) since March 2021. With his unwavering dedication, Mr. Haynes works closely with the RIOC Board of Directors to ensure the Corporation’s goals and objectives are successfully met, allowing the Board to effectively govern.
Leading RIOC towards both short-term milestones and long-term achievements is Shelton Haynes’ primary responsibility as CEO. He remains committed to upholding the corporation’s philosophy and mission, ensuring that Roosevelt Island stays true to its core values. Additionally, Mr. Haynes oversees the seamless execution of all executive and administrative functions, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the island.
Under the exceptional leadership of Shelton Haynes, Roosevelt Island has emerged as a hidden gem, reclaiming its prominence from the shadows of the bustling Big Apple. With his guidance, numerous parts of Roosevelt Island have undergone remarkable improvements. The restoration of the Blackwell House, the transformation of Southpoint Park Shoreline, the replacement of the Seawall Railing, and the revitalization of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center and Sportspark Complex are just a few examples of his initiatives.
Notably, the restoration and expansion of Southpoint Park have been successfully completed, earning the prestigious New York Landmarks Lucy G. Moses award for the restoration of the iconic Lighthouse Tower. Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation unveiled a newly renovated Blackwell House, which is listed within the National Register of Historic Places. RIOC’s Acting President and CEO Shelton J. Haynes stated “We are pleased to bring this well-loved island landmark back to life, using it to tell the history of Roosevelt Island through exhibition, as well as through community stories and experiences”.
Under the visionary leadership of Haynes, Roosevelt Island is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance, backed by a remarkable $150 million capital project improvement program. This transformative initiative encompasses various renovations and enhancements, such as the revitalization of Blackwell Park, the upgrading of infrastructure, and the introduction of comfort stations. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of traffic patterns and parking spaces is underway, accompanied by the exciting announcement of the Island’s first bike lane path along the East Promenade. Shelton Haynes also invigorated Roosevelt Island by undertaking projects such as the FDR monument dedicated to journalist Nellie Bly and the Hope Memorial for President Frankllin D. Roosevelt.
Shelton J. Haynes has been a driving force as the CEO and President of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) since March 2021. With his unwavering dedication, Mr. Haynes works closely with the RIOC Board of Directors to ensure the Corporation’s goals and objectives are successfully met, allowing the Board to effectively govern. Leading RIOC…