The End of an Era: David Stone Shuts Down The Roosevelt Island Daily
After Over a Decade of Watchdog Journalism
For those who closely follow Roosevelt Island affairs, the abrupt silence from The Roosevelt Island Daily was more than a quiet period—it was a signal that something had fundamentally changed. After years of publishing daily, often hard-hitting reports on the actions of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and other island matters, David Stone, the paper’s driving force, confirmed that he has shut down operations as of January 31st. He is now preparing to move off the island by April 1st.
Stone’s departure is more than a personal transition; it marks the end of an era for local journalism. His tireless work demanded accountability from those in power, and his absence leaves a notable void that residents will feel acutely in the months and years to come.
A Legacy of Relentless Reporting
David Stone was a daredevil journalist. He didn't think of "putting it nicely"—he put it bluntly. Even if behavior or morals weren’t quite as bad as he stated, he left it up to the reader to turn down the thermostat. After a daily reading of his output, we knew not to expect too much good news. David was our in-house curmudgeon uncle who suspected something fishy might be going on with the powers that be.
Stone launched The Roosevelt Island Daily in April 2016, establishing it as a vital voice for residents who sought clarity and truth about the decisions shaping their community. While other publications like The Roosevelt Islander Blog offered important coverage, The Daily was distinguished by Stone’s sharp, often confrontational style and his dogged pursuit of transparency.
Over the years, Stone cultivated a deep network of sources within RIOC and across the island. His ability to uncover internal details and expose inefficiencies earned him both praise and criticism. Stone was not afraid to press hard when residents were left in the dark. He brought to light issues ranging from financial mismanagement to questionable administrative practices, ensuring that those in power knew someone was always watching.
The Shelton Haynes Conflict
Stone’s investigative rigor often brought him into direct conflict with key figures at RIOC, most notably its President and CEO, Shelton Haynes. What began as professional engagement turned into a public clash as Stone’s reporting increasingly targeted Haynes’ administration. Stone raised concerns about the lack of transparency under Haynes’ leadership, particularly around decision-making processes and the corporation’s financial practices.
The tension culminated in legal action when Haynes filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, with Stone mentioned in the case. Stone has consistently defended his work, asserting that his critiques were rooted in a commitment to holding public institutions accountable, regardless of personal or racial dynamics.
While some viewed Stone’s approach as overly aggressive, few could deny his effectiveness in uncovering issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. His work held RIOC to a standard that often made the corporation uncomfortable—but that discomfort was precisely what many residents valued.
Challenges and Defining Moments
Reflecting on his career, Stone noted that one of his earliest challenges was facing fierce hostility from the island’s established newspaper. They attacked his advertisers and potential advertisers by claiming he wasn’t “with the community.” This even led to a lawsuit, which was ultimately settled amicably. The greater challenge, though, was breaking through barriers put up to hide information—barriers that only made RIOC look more guilty, whether it was or not.
Among his most defining moments, Stone highlighted his early commitment to protecting Carter Burden from malicious misinformation spread by the Roosevelt Island Senior Association (RISA). Due to serious financial and administrative concerns, the NYC Department of Aging nullified RISA’s contract in 2016 and brought in CBN to take over the Senior Center. His persistence helped lead to a far better resource for the island’s older adults.
Other proud moments included working to restore Alice Childress’s legacy on Roosevelt Island, bringing Roy Eaton—“the Jackie Robinson of advertising”—into the public eye, and earning the trust of RIOC’s newest management team to untangle some of the mysteries that plagued the administration for years.
A Void That Will Be Felt
With The Roosevelt Island Daily now silent, residents face an uncertain future when it comes to local news coverage. The Roosevelt Islander Blog, led by Rick O’Connor, provides coverage but rarely challenges authority, often steering clear of the harder-hitting issues that demand scrutiny. Newer platforms, including The Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, will work to keep the community informed, but Stone’s fearless watchdog journalism cannot be replaced. Our bi-monthly coverage will strive to highlight the macro issues facing the island, ensuring that critical topics remain in the public eye.
The absence of Stone’s voice raises concerns about reduced oversight over RIOC. Without the pressure applied by consistent investigative reporting, the corporation may feel less compelled to engage transparently with residents.
Advice for the Next Generation of Watchdogs
When asked about advice for those continuing to hold power accountable, Stone emphasized a critical truth: “Understand that, without voting for RIOC’s board, neither you nor the community has any inherent clout.” He encouraged local journalists to make stories irresistible and true, highlight both the successes and failures of the local government, and not worry about being popular.
A Community in Need of Voices
Stone’s departure serves as a reminder of the critical role local journalism plays in small communities. While his methods were sometimes polarizing, his impact was undeniable. He proved that a single, determined journalist could hold power to account and give residents a clearer picture of what was happening behind closed doors.
When asked if he had any parting words for the Roosevelt Island community, Stone declined, saying simply, “No, I think they’ve all heard enough of me over the years.”
The island is quieter without him, but that silence should not be mistaken for contentment. It is a call to others to step forward and ensure that the work continues.