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Roosevelt Island

Photo Credit: NYC10044.com

Roosevelt Island can’t be blamed for a little confusion about its identity; it’s had more names than any one little island could ever need. Originally called Minnahannock (“Long Island”), over the years it also was named Varckens Eylandt (“Hog Island”), Perkens Island, Manning Island, Blackwell Island, and Welfare Island. Eventually, New York City decided to develop mixed-income residential properties on the thin strip of land. In 1973—two years before the opening of the first residential complex—it was renamed for the last time as Roosevelt Island.

Despite its long-standing identity crisis, Roosevelt Island strives toward small-town stability. The small-town part they have down pat: The island contains only 147 acres on two miles of land in the East River. And they’re working on the stability. The structure is already in place; there are a variety of high-rise rental apartments and co-ops that serve all income levels. To support them, there are parks, sports fields, schools, a 2,000-car parking structure, transportation options to get to Midtown (only 300 yards across the East River), and even little red buses that carry people all over the island. But to make this island enclave work, someone has to pay for all the amenities. The island managers, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), are forever working on ways to raise revenue to keep the community going.

Money issues notwithstanding, there are some unique things about Roosevelt Island. There’s a Gothic-style lighthouse and the historic Smallpox Hospital, both designed by James Renwick Jr., the architect who designed St. Patrick's Cathedral. The island also has an interesting claim to fame: The Roosevelt Island Tramway is reputed to be the only aerial tramway in North America to be used mainly for commuters. And speaking of fame, you’ll probably recognize Roosevelt Island as the backdrop for some popular movies. Spider-Man, Autumn in New York, Changing Lanes, City Slickers, Conspiracy Theory, Down to Earth, Kate & Leopold, Keeping the Faith, The Professional, The Secret of My Success, and Zoolander all were shot on the island.

Healthcare facilities on Roosevelt Island:

Coler-Goldwater Specialty Care and Nursing Facility