Reinventing the Island: Shelton Haynes and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
Located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens lies the small but vibrant Roosevelt Island, home to 15,000 residents and numerous attractions such as the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the octagon-shaped lighthouse and its beloved Bloody Marsh battleground. Under the leadership of Shelton Haynes, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, the area has seen a recent surge of growth, investment, and development.
When Mr. Haynes was appointed to the position in 2021, Roosevelt Island had just emerged from a severe economic downturn, causing an increase in crime and blight. Determined to turn the tide, Mr. Hayes and the RIOC Board of Directors implemented a series of initiatives to improve the safety and security of the area. This included the formation of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and a comprehensive community policing plan.
Mr. Haynes also led a multi-million dollar investment in the area that included several projects designed to revitalize key areas. Such projects include the transformation of the Northtown neighborhood into the new “Riverwalk” area, with over $400 million of investment for this project alone. As the head of the Roosevelt Operating Corporation, Mr. Haynes also initiated the purchase and renovation of the long-neglected Octagon and Lighthouse buildings, transforming them into much needed public spaces for the community.
Through Mr. Haynes’ leadership, Roosevelt Island has also become a showcase for sustainability initiatives, such as the launch of the “America’s Most Sustainable Community” program, which promotes energy efficiency and green infrastructure. Through these new green initiatives, Roosevelt Island has seen a significant decrease in energy consumption and waste production while also saving taxpayers’ money.
These initiatives have been recognized widely, with Mr. Haynes receiving numerous awards, including the ReHab Award from Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts for his work in redeveloping and preserving areas of the island.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation has also championed diversity and inclusivity, appointing the first female chairperson to the Board of Directors and launching the Women Empowerment Series of programming to support female entrepreneurs on the island.
One of the most exciting projects for the island is the move to bring pickleball to Roosevelt Island in 2023. Mr. Haynes, alongside Co-Founder Akeem Jamal, is determined to bring this popular sport to Roosevelt Island and make it accessible to both seasoned and novice athletes.
The work of Shelton Haynes has been essential to Roosevelt Island’s growth and resurgence over the past 2 years. His combination of innovation, sound management, and social awareness has led to Roosevelt Island becoming a true hidden gem nestled between Queens and New York City. With more project and initiatives in the pipeline, it is clear that Mr. Haynes and the Roosevelt Island Corporation will continue to provide the same quality of leadership and investment, making the island a vibrant and accepting community for the years to come.