Research

Administrative History

In 1981, responsibility of guiding development on Roosevelt Island was transferred from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), to the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) pursuant to a memorandum of understanding between these two agencies. DHCR then assigned all its rights and responsibilities to Safe Affordable Housing for Everyone, Inc. (SAHE), a corporation under the direct control of DHCR's Commissioner of Housing. SAHE, formed under Article 6 of the Private Housing Finance Law, became responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of services and facilities of Roosevelt Island, including: the tramway; a minibus transportation system; a sports complex; parks and grounds; and the rental of commercial space.

The lack of clear statutory authority, however, hindered DHCR's ability, via SAHE, to provide services to the island's residents. As a result, the New York State Legislature created the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), a state public benefit corporation, in 1984 to take over development and operations of Roosevelt Island.