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Roosevelt Island officials hope that a state-of-the-art sports complex, a racquet club and a sculpture museum - which are among a slew of planned or recently completed developments - will boost economic and cultural activity at their planned community.
The officials say they are hoping to draw customers to the shops and restaurants on the 147-acre island. They also want to attract potential residents for new housing to be built on the island.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp., the state agency that runs the island, is planning a series of events and exhibits to promote the island's sports and cultural resources.
"This is a place that New Yorkers haven't fully discovered yet," said Leslie Gottlieb, spokeswoman for the operating corporation. "Here, you can get away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, read a book and just relax."
Alyce Russo, director of planning and development at the Operating Corp., agreed: "A lot of New Yorkers came over 15 years ago and never came back again. We want you to look us over now. Come out and see what's new. Bring the family along."
Russo said an influx of visitors could also boost the sluggish economy of the narrow slip of land in the East River.