Residents on Roosevelt Island are escalating their calls for governance changes amid growing discontent over leadership issues. Complaints of turmoil within the island's board have fueled demands for increased community involvement in decision-making processes.

"The residents here, myself included, feel like we don’t have representation," said Paul Krikler, a resident of four years. Krikler emphasized the need for a more permanent solution that incorporates community input into leadership.

"We have very good interim management who are very collaborative, but the problem is for decades before that it hasn’t been the case," said Krikler.

Roosevelt Island, with approximately 12,000 residents, operates under a unique governance structure. It’s owned by New York City, leased to New York state and managed by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. The island's nine board members are appointed by the governor. Recent years have witnessed abrupt resignations and investigations within the board, prompting concerns from residents.

“We want oversight of what that corporation does, how it runs this place more importantly. We have tons of people who have great ideas on what this place can become,” said Krikler.

A petition initiated by Krikler last October has garnered over 1,000 signatures, reflecting the community's diverse concerns. From the handling of the F train shutdown to revitalizing Main Street, residents are seeking greater say in decisions.

James Starace, a 14-year resident, emphasized the importance of having residents represented on the board. "We need residents on the board because they live here, they move among their neighbors and friends throughout the community, and they hear what needs to be done," Starace stated.

In response to residents' demands, an interim team spokesperson stressed transparency and collaboration with the RIOC Board of Directors and the island community.

“The RIOC interim leadership team has and will continue to prioritize transparency and collaboration with the RIOC Board of Directors and the island community as a whole. An open and honest approach to governance is always in the best interest of Roosevelt Island residents and visitors,” said Bryant Daniels, director of communication with RIOC.

Starace encapsulated the sentiment of many residents, describing Roosevelt Island as "a small town in a big city smack in the middle of the river." While residents cherish the island's feel, he believes it's prime time to have elections for board representatives to ensure effective governance moving forward.

"I think the neighborhood will continue to push to get it, plain and simple," Starace concluded.