Travel advice for those going to Hillary's June 13 campaign kickoff on Roosevelt Island

[Simeon Salus]

Access to Roosevelt Island is tricky, but not impossible. As someone who often went to July 4th fireworks displays on the East River, I can offer some advice to make your trip easier. I'm surprised I haven't seen this on her website; I haven't even seen an event time, so please feel free to correct me if I've missed something. The below is mostly aimed at out-of-towners, but I lived in NYC for five years before I ever visited Roosevelt Island (so much else to do...).

General advice: other than purses, don't bring any bags or items you care that much about. I wouldn't bring folding chairs because of the security issue. It's likely security will be necessarily tight and it's possible that even backpacks and picnic baskets might be disallowed. At NYC area football and baseball games, clear bags are sometimes allowed through security checkpoints. If I were going I'd bring a hat, a blanket, some food and water, suntan lotion (don't forget it) and one of those cheap little stick and cloth fans you get in Chinatown. Myself, I'd probably buy a dozen fans and make myself very popular with the folks sitting close to me.

1. Tramway: Don't take it; the line will be enormous. It's a long line anytime there's any activity on the island. The car can hold just over a hundred passengers and runs every 15 minutes on weekends. It is possible the campaign will get rush hour schedules on Saturday but don't count on it. Even at max capacity, the tram will only be able to deliver 1000 people per hour to the island. Don't get caught in that mess. For the adventurous, here's the website and here's a PDF schedule

2. Subway: Leave early. The island is served by a single subway station, the Roosevelt Island stop. Maybe they'll run shuttle trains but I haven't seen any official notice of such accommodation. That means that the F train will be the only train serving the station and according to the service advisory page, all F trains are running local in Queens all weekend, which may mean slower service. Here's the schedule for F train service. It will run every twenty minutes each way in the early morning, then ramp up to every ten minutes most of the day. If the trains are jammed full (roughly 2000 people), then 24,000 riders can get to the island every hour (12,000 each direction). So if 100,000 people were to try to take the trains to the rally, it would take four hours to deliver them all. See why I suggested you leave early? Once you're on the island, you'll be walking a mile south, so plan the extra 30 minutes it will take to walk in a crowd.

3. Bus: don't even try, unless you have special travel needs and leave way early. The Q102 and RedBus both serve the island. Here's the schedule for Q102 and the schedule for the RedBus (which never leaves the island). The Q102 only runs every half hour and can take 50 or so people at max capacity.

4. Walking: best option, IMHO, but still leave early. There's one bridge, the Roosevelt Island Bridge on 36th Avenue. Remember the F will be useless because it will be packed with people bound for the Roosevelt Island subway stop. I'd take the N, Q or 7 train and get off at Queensboro Plaza (2.7 miles on foot, according to Google maps). The 36th Avenue N/Q station would get you a half mile or so closer. Or one could take the E, M or R trains to Queens Plaza but that's a bit longer trek (2.9 miles). The bridge itself will likely be open exclusively to foot traffic during the load in and load out. Here's the map and here's where you can get the schedules.

5. Driving: Not gonna happen. There's one bridge, the same one that will be jammed with pedestrians and virtually no parking for a large crowd. You'd have to park somewhere in Astoria and walk over the 36th Ave bridge. Good luck with the parking; it's always tough to find a parking place even if you live there. Instead of driving, ride the commuter train close and then take local transit to within walking distance.

Wish I could be there, but 1000 miles is a long commute. Best wishes to those attending. It will be hot, so hats, fans and water will be essential. Bring some friends too. It will be historic.

[2banon]

1. Kick off in a limited access location..sure that makes total sense.totally. n/t

[Simeon Salus]

3. I pondered that in a thread about the announcement

I mean, the jet set can helocast in and skyhook out, but the rest of us will be on foot. It will be virtually impossible for special needs voters to attend.

[brooklynite]

11. "The Jet Set".....

You know, I think some people just project all their biases on any situation, without taking a minute to do research. There is no heliport for the "jet set" and there is no marina for the "boat set". This has been a middle-class apartment community since it was built. Everyone will come in the same way, and everyone will walk the same distance.

[Simeon Salus]

23. Misreading my feeble attempt at sarcasm

I'm aware there's no heliport or marina. I said helocast (meaning exiting out of a helicopter in flight) and skyhook (meaning pulled out by an airplane snagging a little blimp). I was employing irony.

I have visited the island on many days when nothing special whatsoever was going on. When I bring friends to the city for the first time, I take them on the Tramway (because it's a lovely view), we get sandwiches at M&D (because it's cheap and reliable), and then let them walk around (so they can take awesome skyline views). During the 2003 blackout, we walked down from Steinway to take pictures of a lightless city at sunset.

I have zero ill will towards residents of the island. I do feel a bit of sympathy for them, especially their ability to operate normally on Saturday (and I still recommend M&D; they will also be busy).

[Rex]

37. I plan to air assault in myself.

Of course I always have a SPIE team in the air and on standby.

[KamaAina]

14. The Roosevelt Island subway station is accessible

the problem is that relatively few others are. And, of course, the nearest one in Manhattan (63rd and Lex) is down.

http://web.mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm

[leftofcool]

4. You do realize that this is a middle class area with 8 million people?

[2banon]

7. I'm simply going by the description in the travel advisory you provided in your post.

I'm not at all familiar with the location, I'm from the Left Coast..

Never heard of it before now. My perception from reading your advisory was that the access will be extremely difficult and limited. Was that an incorrect read on your piece?

[Simeon Salus]

8. I didn't use the words limited or difficult

I used the word tricky, because the last thing I want to do is discourage folks from attending. If I still lived in Queens, I'd be there early and plan on spending the day on the island. It seems like weather will be lovely, if warm.

I think the location was chosen carefully. It's a beautiful place with awesome views of the city from every seat; it was a super, if inconvenient, place from which to watch East River fireworks displays. It's not impossible to get to but the folks who go will be a dedicated crowd, exactly the folks to which the candidate wants to speak. And from a security standpoint, you have an impassable moat with virtually no docking facilities and natural chokepoints. It's safe but not too easy to access and if something terrible happens (heaven forbid), the doors can be closed instantly

[2banon]

21. Right.. Tricky i.e. narrow access issues + huge crowds = difficult - limited to me.. :)

but it makes sense, and it's a very well written advisory!

[leftofcool]

18. Not my OP but I have been there and it is accessible.

There will be just lots of people going. No different than going to a World Series Game or Times Square on New Years Eve.

[pangaia]

28. Roosevelt Island has 8 million people?

That would make it even worse than Tokyo, or Mumbai...

[Capt. Obvious]

57. Added three zeroes

It's an easy mistake to make.

[pangaia]

59. If I added three zeros in my bank deposit,

I'd be in big trouble. :&gt )

[MADem]

26. They have this thing, called TELEVISION ...

If it's too tough to get there.

People who WANT to be there will make the effort. People who don't want to be there or who would go to make trouble...well, they might be dissuaded.

[okasha]

34. The Secret Service probably had a hand

in choosing the venue, precisely because access can be tightly controlled.

[2banon]

36. no doubt. sort of first thing on their list. tight controls.

makes me think this is the way it's going roll from here on through..

[okasha]

38. Very likely, and it will be true for all candidates.

[2banon]

39. I don't expect to see anything on the level HRC will likely have on hand.

Isn't it the case she has Security provided by the State Dept? I'm thinking there's a certain level of security regardless that's she's left office? Just thinking/guessing out loud, don't know.

[okasha]

42. She would have Secret Service protection in any case, but now that she's a declared candidate

it will ramp up. If you saw the pictures of the Memorial Day parade she and the other President Clinton marched in, there were a couple agents in vests behind them. Those are the lucky fellows whose job it is to push the protectees to the ground and cover them with their own bodies if there's even a hint of violence. All the candidates will have similar protection, whether there is a "realistic threat" or not. Too many whackos out there to take chances.

[karynnj]

45. she has security as a former first lady

Through the Secret Service. I don't think former secretaries get government security.

[leftofcool]

2. Speculation is about 100K people so it will be crowded.

I wish I was going but have some friends going who will report back.

[hrmjustin]

5. I have decided not to go. I hate crowds and a panic attack could trigger my asthma.

TV is good enough for me.

[hrmjustin]

40. I don't appreciate my asthma and I am a huge Hillary supporter.

I don't appreciate your post.

[sheshe2]

46. What a vicious ugly thing to say.

How cruel of you to mock and ridicule another DUer for who they support. You are here making cruel responses to their asthma?

Can asthma be life-threatening?
Posted on May 30, 2011 by AsthmaStyle

In severe cases, asthma can be life threatening. Deaths occur more frequently in adults. More than 80% of the 3,880 deaths related to asthma in 1985 occurred in asthmatics over age 45. Usually, however, the airways can be opened and the attack controlled with medications. In a severe attack, the airways may become completely blocked leading to respiratory failure. This condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. It is important for asthmatics to learn to recognize severe episodes and how to prevent them. Some physicians blame the dramatic increase in asthma related deaths to an over-reliance on drugs designed to open obstructed airways. It appears more likely, however, that deaths are due to the delay in administering therapy to relieve the attack.

http://www.asthmacure.com/2011/05/can-asthma-be-life-threatening/

You have been here for 9 days. You ridicule a beloved poster that has been here since 2012.

He is a member of MIRT as well. You do know what MIRT is correct?

[bravenak]

47. Wtf?

[awoke_in_2003]

50. What the hell?

He is not a supporter because he doesn't want a panic attack to trigger asthma? As someone who is extremely uncomfortable in crowds, I find your post to be BS

[BeyondGeography]

51. You are special

Just wanted you to know, before it's too late.

[MineralMan]

53. Yuck! You could have just skipped this ugly reply.

Asthma is a serious thing. You might consider self-deleting this.

[zappaman]

27. Bummer!

Would be cool to be there in person!

[hrmjustin]

41. Yes it would. But i just can't do it?

[nadinbrzezinski]

54. I pointed out that if I were in NYC

I would stay home due to diabetes. I am not leaving my emergency food behind for nobody.

I was told I hate Hillary by local partisan. (I guess you will not be told that). I know this is the Secret Service. I also understand the location from a security pov. But it will scare away way too many people who are supporters and have medical conditions away me' I would stay home if I were in NYC as well.

After we do lunch with family will watch it on the SPAN and post a procedural launch story like we have done for every other candidate. Hell, will do it for the greens too if I learn when. Don't worry, non partisan pieces are all but apreciated here, so shall not be posted here. No need, or want. And I have no candidate. After the huge letdown, I am back to it matters not who you vote for, really.

[zappaman]

56. "I am back to it matters not who you vote for, really"

Of course.
Carry on.

[nadinbrzezinski]

58. Yup. The same zeitgeist

Of an 18 year old in Mexico City. PRI PAN who cares. Same here.

[hrmjustin]

61. I just can't do this. I wish i could.

[nadinbrzezinski]

62. That is ok, sometimes the best way to do it

is the TV.



Yesterday we covered the city council hearing on the Civilian Review Board, local activists want it changed. Mom is visiting, I had to get dinner done... the stream worked fine (and I got coffee)

Downside, no photos or reaction, but we got a pretty good story up today, with plenty of quotes

You might want to record the speech and save it in your computer. There are several apps that are not that expensive that allow you to do that.

[hrmjustin]

63. How is your mother?

[nadinbrzezinski]

64. Doing great may we all reach the 85th year

doing that well!

[hrmjustin]

65. Glad to hear it.

[brooklynite]

9. Annotation...the park is 1/2 mile south of the Tram/subway stations, so be prepared to walk

Also, be prepared for Presidential level security. I was wanded at a top-dollar fundraiser at the start of the campaign.

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

10. In other words, New Yorkers shouldn't bother

trying to get to Roosevelt Island.

Let the media air it.

She made a poor choice, logistically.

[brooklynite]

13. And your better location would be.....?

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

16. Central Park?

Columbus Park?

Madison Square Garden?

Lots of places that are better logistically.

[brooklynite]

22. Central Park...

...inconveniencing tens of thousands of daily visitors not planning to attend. Also, far harder to set up security checkpoints.

MSG...capacity for half the crowd size, and a substantial campaign expense, to be followed by complaints from folks here about how much money Hillary Clinton is raising.

(what is "Columbus Park"?)

[NYC Liberal]

33. And then she'd be criticized for

tying up traffic in the middle of Manhattan, preventing people from enjoying Central Park, or some other nonsense.

In other words, no matter what she does it's wrong.

(Funny how many people who don't even support her are So Very Concerned about her campaign strategy.)

[rpannier]

66. Some people wouldn't be happy if she held it on line

They'd claim she was slowing down the internet and hiding from people because she doesn't really like people

It really doesn't matter where she holds it, it's going to attract a fairly large crowd.
It's her kick off event. I would hope it would be well attended

[geek tragedy]

15. nobody's going, it will be too crowded nt

[leftofcool]

19. Estimations are 100K or more.

[ronnykmarshall]

31. Thanks for the update Miss Cleo

[geek tragedy]

32. Ever heard of Yogi Berra? nt

[Cha]

35. geek was being funny.. I got it. :)

[MineralMan]

55. Why wouldn't they bother?

They can go if they wish to. I've ridden the F train. Works a treat, really.

People in NYC know how to get around in their city. Those who want to attend will attend. The instructions were good. If I were in NY, I'd go. I'd take the F train early and get there in good time. In fact, I'd board it a bunch of stops before the station on Roosevelt Island, so I'd already be on the train as it got nearer to that station. No problem at all. Look at a Subway map. You can see how easy it would be to be sure you were on the train, anytime you wished.

Those who want to be there can get there easily enough.

[Simeon Salus]

67. The suggestion about boarding farther away is excellent

The stops close to RI will likely be more crowded, if predictions prove true.

Just leave early. Folks caught in crowded stations may find themselves delayed.

[KamaAina]

12. Your 666th post is about Hillary's kickoff?

I don't know. Could she be... SATAN?

[Simeon Salus]

17. I noticed that myself

Actually my 666th post after 13 1/2 years of reading these forums is about how to get to Hillary's kickoff. Something I care deeply enough to post about.

If I remember correctly my very first post was about Giuliani trying to use his 9/11 celebrity to run for a third term. Turns out in order to actually overcome two referendums about a two-term limit you just have to own a media empire and be willing to spend $100 per vote...

[NCTraveler]

20. I love that this is being discussed in similar terms to a huge sporting event. nt.

[brooklynite]

24. Event details from the Clinton campaign

What you need for Saturday's Clinton Rally

We can't wait to see you on Saturday at the Hillary for America official launch event -- we're so excited that you're going to be a part of this day! Here's some information you'll need ahead of time:
When and Where
- Saturday, June 13th doors open at 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island, NY

What to bring
- Your printed ticket -- the confirmation email you received when you registered for the event, you can also use your phone to show your ticket. Children under the age of 13 do not need a ticket to enter the event.
- Small personal cameras and cell phones will be permitted.
- Guests are encouraged to bring water in standard-sized, clear plastic bottles, as there will be a limited supply at the event.

What not to bring
- There will be airport style security. Items that will NOT BE permitted include food, liquids other than water, large bags, large purses, backpacks, strollers, umbrellas, noise makers, bullhorns, posters, signs, pets other than licensed service animals, sharp objects, or weapons.

What to expect
- Limited cell service on Roosevelt Island.
- The event is standing only -- seating will be provided for ADA guests.
- Food is not permitted in the park, so make sure to have breakfast before you arrive.
- Be prepared for a hot summer day; sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are highly encouraged.

How to get to Four Freedoms Park
The best way to get to the park is by public transportation -- parking on the island will be extremely limited.

- Subway: Take the F Train to the Roosevelt Island stop. Follow signs to Four Freedoms Park.

- Tram: From Manhattan: Get on the tram at 59th Street & Second Avenue Station. Travel time to Roosevelt Island is 4-5 minutes, with trams departing every 10 minutes. Exit at Tramway Station on Roosevelt Island. Follow signs to Four Freedoms Park.

- Bus: From Queensboro Plaza overpass, take stairway down north side to corner of Crescent and Bridge Plaza North. Take the Q102 Queens Surface bus to Roosevelt Island. Follow signs to Four Freedoms Park.

We want to accommodate as many ADA guests as possible, so if you know that you will need assistance on-site, please contact [e-mail] to make necessary arrangements. ADA guests are welcome to bring one guest with them into the ADA section.

This is going to be a great event and we're thrilled to have you -- one of our best supporters -- there as we launch into the next phase of this campaign.

Thanks,

Hillary for America

[Simeon Salus]

25. Thanks for that information, brooklynite

I figured the campaign would have some official info but I didn't see it when I looked.

I was unaware tickets were required, but it makes sense for all kinds of reasons.

Information about ADA seating is awesome and very much appreciated.

Drum reminds me there may be PM rain (50% chance), so a lightweight (preferably clear) poncho, available at virtually any dollar store or drug store, may be allowed.

[ronnykmarshall]

30. Have a great time!

I wish I was in NYC to see her. I hope to see her sometime in L.A.

Go Hillary!

[ronnykmarshall]

29. I see it's 2008 all over again

The Hillary bashers have sticks up their asses over EVERYTHING. Somethings never change. Same shit, different election.

[Simeon Salus]

43. I don't see much griping in this thread.

I thought I was passing on useful information for those who've never gone to Roosevelt island in a big crowd. I hadn't seen the campaign info yet (thanks again brooklynite) and was trying to be helpful. Right now, I'm a big fan of all of the Democratic candidates. Every one would be better than the best the other side has. And I'm excited about the kickoff.

[Change has come]

44. OMG

A ronnykmarshall siting!

[ronnykmarshall]

60. YUP

I think I'll stop by from time to time to see what trouble I can get into

[joshcryer]

48. Damn, you'd make a great tailgate partner.

Nice and thorough. You did your research.

[dembotoz]

49. Sounds like more supporters than santorum got

I do not know if I would go thru this hassle to see the reunified Beatles complete with on stage reincarnations of john and george

[awoke_in_2003]

52. I have more supports than Santorum