Forest Hills 72

2009-05-05T16:04:00.005-04:00

New site coming soon.

Change is Coming to Forest Hills

2009-04-02T22:28:00.005-04:00

The Obama stimulus cash is going towards the long overdue project of fixing the Jackie Robinson/Union Turnpike bridge. It's the overpass that divides Forest Hills and Kew Gardens with all the subtley of a chainsaw.

I've made that right turn off Union Turnpike onto Austin Street about a thousand times and still don't know if it's legal.

Hopefully the redesign will include an easy way for pedestrians and cyclists to cross to get to Forest Park. Also, let's hope the close that awful tunnel which encourages cars to speed down Austin St. to bypass the Queens Blvd lights. Funnel that traffic onto QB where it belongs.

http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/04/01/queens/queensddhntst04012009.txt

Tax-i

2009-03-31T22:23:00.008-04:00

In a move that's sure to infuriate the Mayor, Albany lawmakers have scrapped East River tolls and are instead looking to impose a fee on taxi rides. From the Daily News:

Cab passengers would have to pay 50 cents more per ride under a version of an MTA bailout plan being discussed Tuesday.

If the Mayor and his followers' true intention to this toll/congestion pricing crusade is to lessen traffic and pollution, they'll be okay with this. But since it's really about punishing outer borough cars for having the gall to enter Manhattan, expect everyone to blast it.

Make no mistake, there is a feeling at City Hall and in the newspapers that people who drive from Queens into Manhattan for free are somehow getting away with something. Never mind that they can drive anywhere in the country for free and that they pay hefty city income and property taxes.

I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't drive into Manhattan and I think people who do are either idiots are have no other option. I just don't want to Manhattan-bound drivers to be taxed into park and riding from Forest Hills so Grammercy residents can have a nicer walk to work.

Impose a citywide 20% parking garage tax and be done with it.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/03/31/2009-03-31_paterson_says_no_tolls_on_bridges_but_50.html

From the Inbox - Opening Day for Girl's Softball

2009-03-31T22:20:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, April 5th 2009, The Girls Softball League of Forest Hills will open this season with a celebration kick-off.

Field 3 has been newly dedicated to Girls Softball and hosts many changes including new lights to play night games, a new clay level infield, and a new electronic scoreboard.

The celebration will take place at the baseball fields located at 66-01 Fleet Street. Come join us as 115 girls in 3 divisions and 10 teams take the field to kick off the 2009 season. Local leaders will be in attendance as the new scoreboard is unveiled.

The ceremony starts at noon on Sunday with a game to follow immediately afterward.

The FHYAA is dedicated to providing organized athletic programs including girls softball, soccer, basketball and baseball for the youngsters in the Forest Hills, Queens community.

House Party

2009-03-31T13:30:00.004-04:00

Is the Tap House the new hot spot in Forest Hills?

Last Friday at 1:3oam, 'House' was completely packed with really loud music and police cars parked out front. Music could be heard for blocks, and presumably the adjacent apartment building, which explains the cops.

Is a rooftop deck next?

F You Don't Believe Me, See For Yourself

2009-03-30T22:25:00.000-04:00

New F trains are here.

More McMansion Madness

2009-03-26T16:31:00.002-04:00

Queens Chronicle has more of the same. . .

Quote:

If the new zoning is approved, it wouldn’t undo any of the current structures. However, Dayan said it would have a dramatic affect on the Bukharian community, which has always lived close together. If the rezoning passes, he suspects many homeowners would move to Long Island, where they can buy larger lots.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20287352&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574907&rfi=6target=_blank

Toll This

2009-03-25T21:57:00.004-04:00

Nothing gets the Mayor or the local newspapers' ire up more than lawmakers standing in the way banning outer-borough cars from Manhattan. The Daily News went as far as printing phone numbers of the responsible representatives urging us to throw the bums out.

Mayor Bloomberg tells us that we're mad as hell and the press eats it up. Sorry, but I've been mad as hell since he raised our property taxes 25% in the last few years - where was the News' outrage then? That's going to cost a lot more than the subway increase.

All Malcolm Smith wants to do is have someone audit the MTA before we take them at their word, and he gets lambasted (as anyone does who doesn't fully comply with bannign cars from Manhattan). Personally, I want to see how the MTA completely botched the selling of the West Side Rail Yards at the height of the market because Bloomberg and Doctoroff were obsessed with a football stadium? How much did that cost us?

I won't even get into all the other nickel and diming things the mayor has done to make life more expensive ($100 tennis permits, $45 parking tix, heavy tax hikes) while dismissing criticism as saying 'New York is a luxury product.'

But NOW he's worried sick about an extra $20/month leaving my pocket. He doesn't give a rat's ass about that - he just wants the tolls. I know he'll get them, I just want him to know he's not fooling anyone.

I'd rather pay the extra $20 per month than have my town overrun by commuters and pollution so Manhattanites can have a nicer bike ride to work.

I'll Tell You The Title of the Post Once the Train Passes

2009-03-24T23:18:00.002-04:00

Forest Hills Gardens residents are pissed about the LIRR train noise again. Apparently it's gotten worse since they cut down trees along the tracks.

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-Queens, Brooklyn) said in a statement that a sound barrier should be installed along the tracks. “The LIRR has long been an uneasy neighbor to the residents of Forest Hills Gardens. We need a hearty sound barrier where the crumbling wall once stood.”

You know Congressman, the sound gets emitted on both sides of the tracks. How about a sound barrier on the north side too. Or better yet, how about people realize that they bought an apartment next to a railroad.

http://forumnewsgroup.blogspot.com/2009/03/resident-seeks-relief-from-lirr-noise.html

Bath House

2009-03-24T12:30:00.002-04:00

After getting your dog checked out at the new 24/7 vet in the Windsor, get him cleaned on 71st Rd. Then make sure to throw your plastic bag filled with crap on my sidewalk.

Losing our Culture

2009-03-24T12:30:00.001-04:00

Everbody's favorite skateboarding and tattoo culture emporium Concrete Jungle had its windows papered over recently.

This place lost me when they put a huge p.a. system on the terrace and blasted deafining music during the last street fair. Actually it lost me when they starting selling skateboarding and tattoo culture.

101 in a Million

2009-03-23T22:21:00.003-04:00

This Daily News article on Pre-Kindergarten registration had a graphic in its print edition that listed PS 101 as the 5th hardest pre-k in New York City to get into. You have a 9.2% chance of getting in. Admission is based on a lottery, not on merit. Children in the zone and siblings have first dibbs, but even they aren't guaranteed anything.

I don't know if every school has a pre-k program, but if you're planning on PS 101, you should have a back up plan. Like moving to New Jersey.

From the Inbox;

2009-03-20T15:50:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to let you know I just ate at the new diner on austin st. near the police station. I was great! Everything was clean (brand new to be exact). The food was everything diner food needs to be. You should check it out and give them a writeup on your blog. It's certainly not a trendy or hip place, but every neighborhood needs a good diner and I welcome this one to the neighborhood. Also, I am not affiliated with this diner in any way.

Good to have you posting again and keep up the great work.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sony Music wants to interview people who grew up in Forest Hills with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel for a Spring 2009 radio special and podcast series about this legendary duo of FHHS '58 grads.

We're interested in stories about them as kids, especially their earliestperformances at school events or casually among friends. We'd also like to know what it was like to then see them in town as big starsheadlining at the Tennis Stadium (with the Doors opening!).

If you'd like to be interviewed, please contact Andy Cahn atcharliewatts@gmail.com. Our producer would like to record this theweek of March 26-30 and can come to where ever it's convenient foryou. Examples of our work is online athttp://podcasts.legacyrecordings.com/tag/joyride.

Musica di Chairti

2009-03-19T12:30:00.005-04:00

Elegant Italian Restaurant w/Bar (Forest Hills)

Reply to: see below Date: 2009-03-17, 11:26AM EDT
Queens, New York-Prime Location-Heavy pedestrian & car traffic 96 seats with additiona outside seating (approx 46) in Summer Open 7 days Long Lease available Catering & delivery Great opportunity for restaurant buyers Well know & established restaurant Brown Harris Stevens 516.203.8158

In a town where Tutto Bene, Sarabella, La Vigna, and that one by the post office change hands like a mobster changes his cell number, another string of white Christmas lights is looking for a new owner.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/off/1078913159.html

House of the Rising Roof

2009-03-19T12:30:00.003-04:00

Tensions flare at a Cord Meyer McMansion meeting. Read all about it here: http://www.queensledger.com/pages/full_story?page_label=news&article-Forest%20Hills%20Rezone%20Has%20Racial%20Undertones%20=&id=2091677-Forest+Hills+Rezone+Has+Racial+Undertones&widget=push&instance=lead_story_left_column&open=&

Passionately opposed to the new changes was Albert Dayan of the Bukharian Jewish Congress, who spoke on behalf of the new homeowners in Cord Meyer. "We cannot fit into the homes that are proposed by the new city plan," he pleaded to the community board members.

Dayan pleas were met by negative reactions and rumbling in the room.

Lights Are Out at Broadway

2009-03-19T12:30:00.002-04:00

Who don't like credit crunches?

I Donut Believe My Eyes

2009-03-18T12:30:00.001-04:00

Twin Donuts is moving closer to bringing a little Queens Plaza to Continental Ave.

Now We Know Whey They Called it "Aged"

2009-03-18T12:30:00.000-04:00

Because that's what we've all done while waiting for it to open. Still no sign of life since the storefront was completed last year.

Flagpole Muggings?

2009-03-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

There's a rumor going around that there have been a few muggings around Flagpole park recently. Anybody know anything?

There Will Be Vomit

2009-03-17T21:08:00.000-04:00

Happy to say the bars were packed on St. Patrick's Day, with the suprise winner for most crowded - The Tap House.

True Value

2009-03-17T11:47:00.004-04:00

The annual Co-Op market value list is out. It determines property tax, which in turn goes into maintenance. As usual, they are all over the place.

68-30 Burns St? Valued at $65.00 per square foot.

1 Ascan Ave? $53 per sqaure foot (18% less than Burns St.)

Looks like Martha Stark is working too hard.

Get your co-op/condo value here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/condo_coop_comps/qncoop2009.pdf

Property Tax Going Up?

2009-03-16T12:23:00.005-04:00

Don't worry, we've got the High Line coming!

For those who don't know, the High Line Park is a new $200 million city/state funded park which overlooks the new $500 million city/state funded Hudson River Park. Both of which are easily accessible to all of New York. Just take a subway, (which is running local every weekend due to construction) for about an hour and twenty minutes to 14th St/8th Ave. Get out and walk about half a mile. Total travel time each way, about two hours. Then spend the entire day looking down on white people enjoying Hudson River Park down below - and thinking of the two hour local commute home on the hot and filthy subway.

Mayor Bloomberg calls it an important part of the west side development. Something tells me that if Tribeca had to make do with only the Hudson River Park, the West Side would be okay. Just something to think about next time the Mayor says the city is broke (which should be any minute now).

Pedestrian Mall on Station Square

2009-03-16T12:17:00.002-04:00

Mayor Bloomberg does have some great ideas. And one of them came to fruition while I was away. Turning part of Broadway into a pedestrian mall is necessary. Unlike the High Line, this really is a huge tourist draw (one of the world's biggest) and it makes total sense to make it safer and more enjoyable. I commend the Mayor for getting it done. Broadway had fallen into a state of congestion which made it hard to enjoy. Bloomberg's plan is a homerun.

A draw to Forest Hills which has also fallen into a state of traffic confusion is Station Square. Why cars were allowed to dominate this "Sqaure" is mind-boggling, and Forest Hills most attractive landscape is sadly its most dangerous. But obviously the city is in a mood to take Sqaures back to the people they were designed for.

Here's how it might look. No reason not to get it done now while the mood is right. Councilmember 29 wannabe's? Should make a nice campaign platform. . .

Forest Hills 72's Man of the Week:

2009-03-16T12:16:00.001-04:00

Brad Leventhal.

With only an inch of hard evidence, this little known Queens ADA made international headlines by winning one of the most important criminal cases in Forest Hills history.

I've been holding off writing about this because everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Plus, I was away when most of it was going on, but it was easy to follow online thanks to the excellent reporting by the NY Times and Daily News (the Post was a distant third).

Why was it such an important case? Because had they gone free, the feeling of fear in that community (and of that community) would be overwhelming. Without a conviction, murder would seem legal 108th St.

Plus, when you think of the utter selfishness of the crime - a murder in full view on a Sunday in a children's playground. What if it had gone wrong. What if the bullets had come out he other end? What if there was a struggle? I won't even go into the psychological ramificaitons of playing hopscotch one minute and watching a man being shot to death the next.

This is a crime that had to be solved. For the Malakovs and for Forest Hills.

Leventhal presented his case masterfully. My favorite part being when everyone questioned why on the first day of cross examination, he didn't bring up the fact that she didn't hear the gun. Then spent 9 hours the next day on how she didn't hear the gun, slamming his hand on the jury box (which made every news account of the trial). Brilliant. I hope he writes a book about it and I hope the star witness gets a piece.

If you didn't follow the trial, go back and read the news accounts day by day. Fascinating.

What's the Best Thing about Bonfire Grill?

2009-03-12T23:00:00.001-04:00

The new site: http://bonfireforesthills.com/index.php

I've got to start charging for all this promotion.

5 Guys Is Nize

2009-03-12T22:56:00.002-04:00

It's open. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601221

Park in the Home Depot lot and walk towards Woodhaven. Not worth losing your parking spot, but if you're at Trader Joe's check it out.

McManic

2009-03-12T22:53:00.001-04:00

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20278853&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574907&rfi=6

“It’s closing the barn door,” Stuchinksi said, “but already the horse is all over the place.”

By the way, where'd you hear about this first?

His Casa Really Is Su Casa

2009-03-12T22:50:00.000-04:00

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bfs/1068987461.html

Here's the deal. I own and operate a Mexican restaurant on Metropolitan Ave in Forest Hills, and I am looking to find a tenant to sign a new lease for my space. The space seats about 40 people and has a complete kitchen with a basement for storage. Pending approval of the landlord, I am looking to secure a ten year lease at 5750 per month with a 4% annual increase. Good credit is a must. The landlord requires a two month deposit ($11500), and the tenant is responsible for a portion (I believe 33%) of any property tax INCREASES during the leasehold term. Because the combination of bad weather (winter) and a bad economy is not the greatest of mixes for a restaurant, we are currently only operating during the weekends. Please keep this in mind if you are looking to check the place out during operating hours. That's it. No Key Money. No Gimmicks. Simply agree to the terms of the lease, and the place is yours. Start operating the next day if you like! Please email any questions or concerns you may have, or call me. Good Luck.

Weiner = Pulled Out?

2009-03-12T22:45:00.000-04:00

Congressman and Mets fan Anthony Weiner looks to be dropping out of the mayoral race. The Times alludes to the difficulty of beating Bloomberg because he's so popular. But the real difficulty is cash. Where the hell is Weiner going to find donors in this economny when he's running against a billionaire who fixed the game?

Depressing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/nyregion/12weiner.html?hp

Guilty

2009-03-10T15:14:00.000-04:00

http://www.ny1.com/Content/Top_Stories/95257/-span-style--font-size-16pt--line-height-1-2--queens-dentist-found-guilty-of-ex-husband-s-murder--span-/Default.aspx

Back in Town

2009-03-10T11:54:00.001-04:00

Will update shortly.

Au Revoir Atlas

2009-02-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/04/nyregion/04mall.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion

Lenders are foreclosing on a Queens shopping mall developed and owned by his company, Atco Properties and Management, Mr. Hemmerdinger said on Tuesday.

He declined to say how much his company had invested in the property, the Shops at Atlas Park, which has a $128 million mortgage with two French banks, Calyon and Société Générale. He said the two banks were in the process of taking over the property, which is in the Glendale neighborhood.

Representatives for the two banks declined to comment on Tuesday.

Time to Come Back

2009-02-05T00:31:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Sushi Time, the new owners and operators of the old Sushi Oh space. Today was opening day and food and service was excellent. They also run a Sushi Time in Flushing.

Cheap, fresh, and friendly - just like Sushi Oh used to be.

Cord Meyer Rezoning

2009-02-02T22:58:00.003-05:00

In an effort to put the genie back in the bottle, Cord Meyer is under consideration for being rezoned. The zone would be changed from an R 1-2 to an R 1-2A which would mandate yards and context.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/lu_apps/ulurp_q06.pdf

Fire at Austin/72nd Ave.

2009-02-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

From the inbox:

We woke up around 3 this morning to the sound of breaking glass, thesmell of smoke and fire engine lights. There was a fire in theapartment building at 108-02 72nd Ave. at the corner of Austin Street.

We never saw flames but certainly could see smoke. I don't know ifanyone was hurt, but this morning it looks like the tenants in thenorth-west corner units -- at least -- of the six-story building abovethat Networks bar-restaurant don't have a place to live right now.

Tierra Insana

2009-01-29T17:12:00.004-05:00

Per an email from Michael Perlman, who I guess is friends with the owners of Tierra Sana, comes a press release with this interesting concept:

FOREST HILLS, NY (Jan 29, 2009) – Queens and citywide food enthusiasts will soon have lots more to crave for, without breaking their budget! “Tierra Sana” (healthy earth), a health café and lounge situated in the heart of Queens (100-17 Queens Blvd near 67th Ave), takes great pride in announcing Pay What You Want Tuesdays, beginning Feb 3, 2009.

This novelty concept will be a means of offering the community a relief from the status of the economy, while enjoying nutritional, yet tasty food. People deserve the chance to eat healthy! Patrons will have the privilege of ordering a healthy breakfast, lunch, & dinner from a diverse menu, and paying what they feel it is worth. Pay What You Want Tuesdays apply to the Health Café menu which includes breakfast specials, paninis, wraps, sushi, appetizers, soups, salads, hot platters, desserts, fresh juices, tea/juice infusions, and also applies to neo-tribal cuisine dinners. It excludes alcoholic beverages and delivery.

Donut Jump

2009-01-29T15:07:00.005-05:00

From Chopper 72 (actually from the email in box):

Either work is finally being done inside the Twin Donut building, or its hostages are escaping from the attic.

Great photo, funny caption. Excellent job.

Know Plow

2009-01-28T09:50:00.003-05:00

How were your streets today? Austin Street looked like a mountain road as of about 8:15am. Nothing but snow and sliding.

Final Dispatch from the Front of the Continental War

2009-01-26T20:15:00.005-05:00

I've intercepted a communication from an undisclosed location behind the East's lines. Transcript follows:

Weiner: General Ferraro.

Ferraro: Yes, Lieutenant Weiner.

Weiner: Disturbing news from our spies on the West.

Ferraro: Go ahead, Lieutenant.

Weiner: The West is going nuclear.

Ferarro: You mean. . .

Weiner: Chains.

Silence.

Weiner: General Ferraro?

Ferraro: I'm here.

Weiner: What are we going to do? I mean, we did great with the battles of Oko and Q, but at some point a truce has to be considered.

Ferraro. If they're going chains, we'll go chains.

Weiner: That means complete annihilation. Not to mention, our chains aren't exactly. . .I mean Barnes and Noble alone. . .

Ferraro: Fire them up.

Weiner: Geraldine! We can't possible compete. . .

Ferraro: Fire them up!

And that's were the Continental War took a horrific turn. The final, and bloodiest battle of the Continental War is in your sidebar.

Winnick One for the Aqua

2009-01-26T19:54:00.004-05:00

AQUA (Ascan, Queens blvd, Union tkpe, Austin) residents and Gardeners taking the 75th Avenue stop have renewed hopes of something good coming to the Beach Bum Tanning space (Queens Blvd & 73rd Rd., south side).

The DAKOTA REALTY 4 U!!!!! for rent sign has been replaced with Winnick Realty. Complete with a 212 number.

While it doesn't guarantee anything, at least it's a well-known operation with contacts at the kind of retailers who would be a step up from Beach Bum.

I've emailed Winnick asking if they wanted any guidance from this site's readers about what we would want. No response yet, but it's worth a shot.

Atlas Park Benched

2009-01-23T11:37:00.012-05:00

A letter emailed to me this week - which I didn't open until this morning.

The above basically says Damon Hemmerdinger is out as manager of Atlas Park leasing, and corporate will take over from France. It is effective in mid-February. Outgoing quote:

"I believe in Atlas Park and I believe that the residents of Queens want, deserve, and can support high-quality, aspirational retail, restaurants and entertainment."

It's a terrible day for Atlas Park, as you can bet incoming stores will solely be judged by who's willing to pay the highest per square foot.

Corporate: Let's see, I can get Frankie's - a toy store selling creative wooden toys with an embedded child-friendly hair salon willing to pay $35 per square foot - or I can get a Blimpie who'll pay $40.

So, it looks like Atlas Park haters (who I'll never understand) get their wish and the unique, upscale open-air center will become filled with cheapo crap, signed by a company five thousand miles away. Or maybe all the stores will close - now that's something to celebrate.

Hemmerdinger's Future:

Though the letter sounds remorseful, this is the best thing to happen to him. I would expect him to begin what would be a successful career in politics. He's got the money, the look, the lineage, and the community ties. All that was holding back was his constant concern about holding shopping center tenants to a higher standard. Now he doesn't have to worry about that anymore.

Boris Mikhailov Tells You What He Thinks

2009-01-22T13:29:00.005-05:00

When some people see a name like Mikhailov associated with a Cord Meyer property, they think "here come the marble columns and lions."

But check out the first line of his newest listing on MLS.

"When They Built Homes With Care. Magnificent Tudor On One Of The Most Prestigious Streets Of Cord Meyer"

Just a reminder that not all folks whose names end with "lov" want to tear everything down. The house really does rock - and for only 1.6 million, it's yours.

(If the above link doesn't work, it's # 2148532)

2009-01-21T23:15:00.005-05:00

Kennedy Is Said to Withdraw Senate Bid

Caroline: You can't fire me, I quit.
Patterson: You can't quit.
Caroline: Because I'm fired?
Patterson: No, because you've never had a job.

And so ends one of the most awkward chapters in New York political history. What a waste of time, when there's no time to waste. Speaking of wastes, , ,

Olympics
Congestion Pricing
Kennedy

Count up the man-hours. Put a price on it. Then flush it all down the toilet.

Houses Aren't the Only Thing They're Tearing Down in Cord Meyer

2009-01-21T13:25:00.003-05:00

Kevin over at Forgotten NY reports on the end of an old-school traffic light on certain corners in Cord Meyer. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see them here:

http://www.forgotten-ny.com/SLICES/stopped.cold/stopped.html

Oh, How Time Sneaks Up On You

2009-01-18T23:37:00.002-05:00

A new awning was put up at the old Sushi Oh storefront, and it has changed it's name to Sushi Time. The awning is black with a pair of chopsticks surrounding a roll and looks like it will remain a take out place.

It was reported here last month. http://www.foresthills72.com/2008/12/sushi-oh-pen-part-ii.html. Still no word on the small neon Geisha in the window.

Hola, Adios

2009-01-18T23:26:00.000-05:00

Beautiful New Mexican Restaurant for Sale (Forest Hills)
Reply to: mailto:sale-998198861@craigslist.org?subject=Beautiful%20New%20Mexican%20Restaurant%20for%20Sale%20(Forest%20Hills) [?]Date: 2009-01-18, 8:00PM EST

Mexican restaurant with less than one year in operation up for sale. Ten year lease remaining.
Location: Forest Hills

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/bfs/998198861.html

Community Board 72

2009-01-18T23:24:00.001-05:00

From the Inbox:

Heidi Harrison Chain, President of the 112th precinct community council encourages your participation in our Vial of Life Program. I am thrilled that we are able to provide this life saving program for you with the help of Captain Tamola and the112th Precinct. Each year at the beginning of the year we offer this program to you. If you have completed the forms last year it gives you a chance to update your records.

This vital program enables emergency responders who respond to a house or apartment to have the medical and personal information about an individual who is unable to provide this information to them. We will give you the forms and we will give you the magnets. The information forms are for you to complete and then keep in your house in your refrigerator. The Vial of Life magnets and forms will be available at our January 21st council meetings.

For more infomation, contact Heidi Harrison Chain at: council112@yahoo.com

Zoning Out

2009-01-16T23:34:00.006-05:00

Good piece on The Real Deal website about the Austin Street rezone. Quote:

"For those of us that live in the community of Forest Hills, we don't even like to go down to Austin Street because it's so crowded," said Susanna Hoff, who owns Terrace Realty in Forest Hills with her husband, Robert. "What the community wants to see done is to have appropriate rezoning that doesn't increase density in order to satisfy developers."

Several community groups in the area have written to their City Council member, Melinda Katz, and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall to voice their concerns about the rezoning, including Hoff, the Friends of Station Square, the Forest Hills Van-Court Association and the Forest Hills Gardens Corp.

http://ny.therealdeal.com/articles/austin-street-may-see-residential-development-with-rezoning

Previously covered here: http://www.foresthills72.com/2008/10/reduce-reuse-rezone.html

Continental War - Food Battles

2009-01-15T12:44:00.002-05:00

The war intensifies with a series of battles on several fronts. See sidebar for details.

Chain Joins the Gang

2009-01-15T12:33:00.001-05:00

Press Release found in this morning's Inbox.

Heidi Harrison Chain has launched her campaign for City Council.

Heidi Harrison Chain is a community leader working hard for you, with a history of accomplishment and the ability to bring people together. For many years Heidi has worked with the NYPD regarding public safety issues, quality of life, emergency preparedness and police-community relations. She has been called “one of our hardest working community leaders” and has an acknowledged reputation for consensus building, project management, and problem solving.

Heidi Harrison Chain is an Attorney serving as director in the Office of Legal Affairs of the New York City Department of Finance. She is uniquely qualified to address the problems that will be facing our community and our city over the next few years. Heidi has the expertise and experience to work with all city agencies gleaned from 20 years as a dedicated public servant.

Heidi Harrison Chain holds leadership positions in community service organizations, civic organizations, and Community Board 6. Positions include: President, 112th Precinct Community Council; Chief of the Community Emergency Response Team; Executive Vice President, Forest Hills Community and Civic Association; Past President, Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association; Past Vice Chair - Secretary CB6; Youth Committee Chair, CB6; Economic Development Committee Chair CB6; member of the Rego Park Forest Hills Lions Club; Recipient of many awards for dedication to service to the community.Once elected to the council, Heidi Harrison Chain will continue to work with you to improve our community.

Electronics Media

2009-01-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

In Rego Park news, Circuit City is closing all of its stores. A location like that with parking and neighbors like Bed Bath and Beyond and Old Navy, I think will draw interest from many. In fact, it'll probably be an upgrade from Circuit City. Though it was a big workforce.

In Forest Hills news, PC Richard's was robbed. From the New York Post:

Cops said the four intruders were seen on surveillance video forcing open the store gate and slipping inside the PC Richards on Queens Boulevard near 76th Avenue shortly before 5 a.m. on Jan. 9.

They hauled away thousands of dollars worth of electronics, including surround-sound audio systems, and escaped in a white van, police said.

No word if the thieves took out warranties on the merchandise, which would result in them being robbed back.

Europantastic

2009-01-13T16:51:00.003-05:00

Here is the menu for the Europan Bakery/Cafe opening on the corner of Restaurant Row and Austin Street. It will be the most successful restaurant in Forest Hills history. Why five Asian fusion places opened before we got one of these is still a mystery.

http://www.europanbakerycafe.com/menu.html

Body Moves

2009-01-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

Metropolitan Avenue's popular Tree of Life studio is moving to the new Koptiev center across the street (Metropolitan and Continental). From their website:

We are happy to announce we will be moving to our new location, 102-06 Metropolitan Ave (across the street), in early 2009. If there are any practitioners interested in renting space,
please contact David Rene Alkalay by calling:718-544-5997

Meningitis Alert at Church in the Gardens

2009-01-13T10:56:00.004-05:00

I'm told that there has been a child diagnosed with meningitis in the upstairs (Pre-K) class at The Church in the Gardens.

The Pre-K class is closed and nursery (downstairs) is still operating. Parents have been notified via handed-out letter.

I don't have all the details. For more information, please call The Church in the Gardens at 718-268-6704.

Second Continental War

2009-01-11T21:07:00.008-05:00

With the opening East of Continental versus West of Continental war just about complete, let's move into round two: Yogurt Place With Umlaut In Name.

Oko from the East takes on Yogomonster in the West.

East West Rivalry

2009-01-09T22:08:00.010-05:00

Vote in Forest Hills 72's 2009 East-West Shootouts, where we pit one from East of Continental vs. one from the West. You get 72 hours to vote.

The opening fight on the card is a good one - Ladies' Hair Cut.

Rebels D&L take on the master (and former employer). Micciche.

Atlas Stand?

2009-01-09T15:54:00.001-05:00

Also from the Inbox:

I know you commented on Atlas before and just wanted to see if you heard about the closings there.
Blue Tulip is closing (entire national chain went out) by Jan. 31st. Then we heard Pasticcio had closed. True! We went by this weekend and the place was closed with no sign on the door explaining the closure. What a shame. My wife and I had dined there a bunch of times and loved the food and the decor. Also heard rumours that J. Jill and Shiro's would be closing.

Word is management is unbending on wanting this to be really upscale shopping but if this keeps up we'll see the whole place shut down. If they can't provide the shopper base they advertise who'll want to open a store there? Why go so upscale (and elderly) in your offerings?

They keep getting buses rerouted to their mall but will the high-end customers take the bus? Funny how the one neighborhood they are always touting as their base, Forest Hills, is the one they couldn't get a bus rerouted from.Shouldn't the 23 be the one they should have nailed down first?

Euro Gonna Like This

2009-01-09T15:49:00.002-05:00

From the Inbox:

On my walk home last night I noticed that Garo's Bootery and Viva Bambi (or whatever that overpriced kid's clothing store was called) have signs in their windows noting that they're going to be putting in a Europan Bakery Cafe there

Sounds promising, as does the neighboring Aged Steakhouse. Good job by the landlord by putting in some more good tenants.

Well, Maybe Not Forever

2009-01-09T15:33:00.004-05:00

Looks like Gerard Towers residents will soon be making the haul back to Natural as Organic Forever goes on the market. You can thank Trader Joe's for this one. Nice people in there so here's hoping they change their mind.

First Post of 2009 - The State of the Forest Hills Union

2009-01-07T00:20:00.005-05:00

Honorable Weiner, Councilmember Katz, Assemblyman Hevesi, esteemed readers from McMansions on 112th Street to the row houses on Manse - the state of Forest Hills is strong.

With a tough 2008 behind us, the residents of Forest Hills are looking at a bright future with the fundamentals in place to thrive in the years ahead. Our schools are solid but crowded. Our commute, once the envy of the outer boroughs, is getting bogged down by crawling express trains and no sane bicycle access to Manhattan. Our shopping district had some great hits in 2008, but some unfortunate misses.

We’ll start with the reason many of us moved to 11375. . .

Education:

While some argue whether overcrowding is detrimental to a child’s learning environment, there is no debate that 101 and 196 are packed. Parents are getting more vocal about it and that’s a good thing. With more families priced out of Manhattan and not ready for the car-culture of the suburbs, expect more kids to move in. They will be joined by local children priced out of the private schools making overcrowding an issue that won’t go away by itself.

The new school complex on Metropolitan Avenue is an excellent start – as long as it is locally zoned and properly enforced. Another promising development is the Red Apple School trying to get approved in the old Ethan Allen space. Red Apple schools, a Chinese-affiliated program, have earned high marks in other places of operation in NYC and there’s no doubt it would be a huge success. At this date, they are still getting disapproved on building plans. I call upon our local leaders to reach out to the Red Apple building applicants listed on the documents – easily found on ACRIS – and find out what is needed for a fast and legal building plan. Red Apple is only for 2 – 5 year olds, but with Pre-K 101 kids going into a lottery and kindergarteners getting sent outside the zone, our district needs relief now. Whatever the hold up is, fix it.

Our Commute:

2008 was a hard year for subway riders. When Long Islanders are beating you home, you start wondering what you’re doing here. It is essential to get those express trains moving faster. It should not take 45 minutes to go from Manhattan to Forest Hills on the express train. Let me make this clear – move your ass. If that means removing the seats except for handicapped/elderly, do it. Rush hour pricing like they have on the LIRR – start it today. If the problem is merely functional like the F train’s painfully slow switch to the tunnel at 36th St in Queens, fix that. It’s slowing up the whole line.

The E r160 trains are a welcome sight and word is the F will be receiving them soon as well. Let’s hope with them come new signal technology to decrease the time between trains.

LIRR complaints are minor, like consistent 5 – 10 minute lateness on certain trains or unreasonable ticket office hours (if it’s below 20 degrees, keep it open). In general the LIRR was good to Forest Hills in 2008.

Austin Street:

Though it receives less attention from our Community Civic than Metropolitan Avenue, Austin Street showed a lot of fight in 2008. For Rent signs are still too abundant, with some high profile spaces being vacant for too long. Annie Sez/Mandee’s and the stretch of stores between Dmitry and Latina Cabana are two of the biggest and the eyes of the community are watching them. Let’s hope the lag time is because the landlords are waiting for the right tenant to commit.

But we did welcome some outstanding new business and for that we should be proud. Oko and Yogomonster provide bright and clean environments for residents to have coffee or a frozen snack. Ripe is a smash. Even Broadway Bakery gets kudos for its new store a block east of its current one. Who don’t like redemption?

On a larger scale, the bar was raised when Bonfire Grill tore up The Wine Gallery and became an instant hot spot. A few doors down, Modus responded by transforming into The Tap House, a sports bar complete with burgers and wings. Restaurant Row welcomed the neon lights of Moca and the new steakhouse Aged is coming along very nicely.

For a town that consistently complains about its restaurant options, you can’t bitch about 2008. No we didn’t get an outer borough flagship like Grocery or Trattoria Lincontro, but progress was definitely made from 2007. And Metropolitan Avenue hit it out of the park when it came to restaurant openings.

Real Estate:

All of this is anecdotal and maybe people are struggling, but it seems like prices held up okay. Dips across the board, but you still can’t find an Archie Bunker in 101 for under 550K. Condos might be slow selling, but no firesales like many predicted. As long as you can own for what you’d pay in rent, you’re okay – and Forest Hills never got too crazy. The schools and commute will also prevent a major crash.

Co-ops would be wise to lower the down payment requirements however. What good does it do to make a young family and potential upstanding resident put down 25% of 400K (100K) just to make an offer. Are you really happier with the buyer who pays with all cash? Get with reality in this down economy and make it ten percent down like many Manhattan co-ops have done.

Our Politicians:

An abysmal year for our leaders, no other way to put it. They forced upon us the extended term limits that everybody voted against twice. We getting a senator nobody voted for appointed by a governor nobody voted for, backed by a billionaire mayor who changed the law. Years from now, it will be known as one of the darkest times for democracy in New York history and the fourth estate has been depressingly silent.

In 2009, I implore you, vote the bums out.

Options are starting to come in. I’ve been emailed several press releases from potential city council district 29 candidates. Joseph Nocerino, Mel Gagarin, Bob Delay have sent me nice notes and political veterans like Karen Koslowitz and Michael Cohen have expressed interest. We will be focusing on this race throughout the year.

Culture:

Forest Hills was one of the few zip codes that put lack of culture as one of our biggest problems in a recent NYC survey and the respondents are dead on.

With plenty of places to get your nails done or eat a frozen yogurt, where does someone go do see live music before 10pm? Or after 10pm for that matter? Where are the readings at Barnes and Noble? Why is the only free activity for little kids in this kid-bursting neighborhood a day at the big-kid-packed Austin Street Park? Why is the only theater in Forest Hills a church basement in Glendale?

Whether it’s the Spiderman 3 premiere which was embarrassingly held in Astoria over Forest Hills, or the lackadaisical attitude I received when inquiring about our Summer Streets or public plaza participation, there has to be a more aggressive authority to bring culture to Forest Hills.

Let’s work with local business like Young Chef’s Academy or Belle Arti to offer some kind of one-off class so you don’t have to sign for a full semester – much like the Harry Potter parties the Community Bookstore has in Park Slope. Let’s commission the Queens Artists group on Metropolitan to paint over one of the LIRR overpasses – get a band and invite kids to help. Let’s get creative. Let’s close down 71st Rd. on Sundays – or Austin Street for Summer Streets. Let’s have a rock concert.

Finally, a word has to be said about the terrible job the West Side Tennis Club has done. In 2007 they hosted two excellent tournaments and welcomed the public with open arms. T-shirt give-aways, radio station appearances, and kids activities. This year they had one tournament, and it was awful. No sponsor tents, no music, no fun. Just a small metal grandstand in the blaring August sun and a jug of water. It obviously wasn’t meant for spectators and to have world class players on empty and silent court was embarrassing to witness and I’m not even a member.

West Side Tennis Club listen up. Being exclusive is great and all – but tough times are coming. Please finish getting a corporate sponsor for that beautiful but decrepit stadium and have events there. Doesn’t have to be the Beatles and Hendrix like the old days. Whether it’s tennis or the New York Pops or Fleetwood Mac, an open air stadium five minutes from the express subway and LIRR is absolutely f’king priceless. Not to mention you have hundreds of thousands of LIRR commuters passing it daily to see a big bright logo. If you can’t sell that to Jet Blue or Chase, than you couldn’t sell a dollar for fifty cents.

Communication:

Our community board, civic group, elected officials, and local businesses all stink at communicating with the public. I created this blog for that purpose and the only people who email me are Katherine Thome and Steven Melnick – and I promote their causes. I’ll find out about the Taste of Forest Hills three weeks after it happens or the children’s day picnic at Flagpole park that happened last month. There very well might be a ton of cultural events going on, but no one knows about them.

It says a lot when a bowling alley in Flushing named Jib Lanes gets more Forest Hills promotion than a Forest Hills event.

The Future:

We Forest Hills residents are in a great spot. Our schools are top notch and I’m proud to send my kid to one of them. The LIRR is a 12-minute shuttle into Penn Station. And if you miss the 8:25, just walk up a block to the express subway. The East Side Access project will give us yet another transportation option.

We also have a great look, but that needs to be defended. We fell asleep in Cord Meyer and that’s pretty much gone, as is 72nd Avenue.

We have to do a better job in working with developers and explaining why boxy office buildings and monster houses are not the draw. Heskel Elias gets it. You can build something like the Duane Reade/Staples building or renovate the Ann Taylor space to make it a modern reflection of its tudor past. And there’s no question it will enhance the value of the surrounding area.

We have a lot of work to do, we have to fix the overcrowding in our schools, speed up our express subway, host more cultural events, and protect the beautiful but threatened look of Forest Hills. But the great news is infrastructure is in place for all if it as is an intelligent, caring populace.

Thank you and may Bloomberg bless Forest Hills.

Danny's Rockin' Eve

2008-12-30T08:39:00.004-05:00

Nothing to do tomorrow night? Danny Brown's is hosting a New Year's Eve buffet dinner & cocktail hour, complete with with dancing to a live band. Reservations required.

http://www.dannybrownwinekitchen.com/events.php

Don't Thank Me, Thank Q

2008-12-30T00:24:00.002-05:00

Q Thai is now offering a three course dinner price fixed at $25 Monday - Thursday.

Cop Out

2008-12-30T00:13:00.002-05:00

Disturbing story in the New York Post tomorrow regarding the closing of the NYPD's Queens overnight Subway unit.

Quote:

An NYPD unit that patrols the borough's trains at night is on the verge of closing, the Post has learned - a move critics fear will make Queens subway travel still more dangerous.

"Of course they say that it'll be the same manpower that way, but that's b.s.," one police source told the Post. "It's the equivalent of closing a station house."

"That's stupid, we need safety in the subways," said outraged Trisha Mondal, 18.

"I always feel more comfortable when police are around," the Jamaica resident said at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12292008/news/regionalnews/queens/late_night_fright_train_146387.htm

Seeing R Believing

2008-12-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the reader who emailed me this photo of the R160 being tested on the local track.

Unique Viewer Mail - December 2008

2008-12-30T00:00:00.010-05:00

Hey, just wanted to drop you a quick email to tell you I really enjoy your site. I've been here in forest hills for about ten years now. The closings of so many of the mom and pop shops that once defined our neighborhood as a destination area to be proud of saddens me so much, especially when replaced by such eyesores as dollar chic. Your knowledgeable reporting and advocacy for the area gives me hope that all is not lost for the place I am still proud to call my home. Thanks for caring. Viva le forest hills!

Thanks for reading. Dollar Chic is hideous, but every now and then a recent opening like Oko is a definite upgrade over the hair salon it replaced. Cheeburger is a chain, but it's clean and friendly and the new aged steakhouse has a great look to it so far. All is not lost - in fact, I think once the economy rebounds, we're in great shape.

Hi FoHi72-

Thought you might find this article interesting. It's not necessarily about Forest Hills in specific, but given your prior disdain on your blog for congestion pricing, it would be curious to see what you think of this. I'm thinking of writing a related blog post on my own blog.

New York state plans soft drink 'obesity tax'

Good luck with your blog - send me the link when you've gotten a few posts down. I think the obesity tax is silly. No one wants to be obese and taxing people into better behavior is a scary path to embark on. However, I would love to see a dog tax. These animals bite people, bark all night, and crap constantly on the sidewalk. And when their owners do clean it up (which they never get all of), they sometimes just throw the bag in the gutter. They offer absolutely no benefit to anyone but the owner and cause inconvenience to everyone else - especially those of us who wear decent shoes. Tax em. The bigger the dog, the bigger the tax.

Hello,

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I'm sorry but I got a guy for my Canadian land deals.

R You Next?

2008-12-29T16:47:00.002-05:00

Some of the commenters on this recent you tube say the yard workers are just playing with the sign. But that's a bit far fetched. So are residents of the four digit district in for a surprise on their way to work when they get back in January? First Terra Sana, now this.

Sushi renOHvate

2008-12-29T09:03:00.002-05:00

Doors were open at Sushi Oh this weekend and the place is torn apart. However, it looked like renovations, not a store closing. All the big items remained but the walls were all torn up and wires were hanging down from the ceiling.

Not Sweet on Caroline

2008-12-27T15:20:00.005-05:00

Click here for a sneak preview of the New York Times interview with Caroline Kennedy to be published tomorrow (Sunday).

If you read between the lines, or the lines themselves, it looks like it was a disaster. Best line:

. . .when asked Saturday morning to describe the moment she decided to seek the Senate seat, Ms. Kennedy seemed irritated by the question and said she couldn’t recall.

“You guys ever think about writing for a woman’s magazine?” she asked the reporters. “I thought you were the crack political team.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/nyregion/28kennedy.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

More concerning than her Bloombergian contempt of the press, she couldn't name one issue where she disagreed with the democratic party OR the Mayor. To me, that reeks of someone who really doesn't know the issues.

As I've said before, the press' role in this outdated process is more important than ever with no debates, voting record, or campaign speeches to learn about the candidate.

Post 100

2008-12-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas.

C-Town Next to Natural

2008-12-24T23:41:00.000-05:00

How does that place stay in business? It must own the building.

Sidewalk Door to Chikurin's Basement

2008-12-24T23:38:00.001-05:00

Always open. Only a matter of time before someone falls down and kills themself.

Karen Koslowitz

2008-12-24T23:36:00.003-05:00

Big NY Times article about how she wants to be our city councilmember again. Work with the Tennis Club to reopen the stadium to concerts. They haven't had one since Koslowitz left the council. Do that and you've got my vote. Huge win for local business and residents.

The New E Train

2008-12-24T23:34:00.001-05:00

I saw it tonight as it passed by me. Wanted to ride it but my local train was stuck between 67th Ave and Continental. That is one long stop.

Ascan to Continental

2008-12-24T23:32:00.002-05:00

I can do it on foot in about four minutes, three if I really have to catch the train. I won't run for a train.

Staples

2008-12-24T23:29:00.002-05:00

Before you go to Circuit City and deal with the wall of noise, check out Staples. They have some pretty cheap electronics at the Continental location and there's never a line.

At Circuit City the only criteria shoppers seem to have is how loud the bass output can go. That, and if there's a lot of lights on the display panel. I will shoot myself if I worked there.

Family Restaurant Packed

2008-12-24T23:27:00.002-05:00

Nice to see on Christmas Eve. If an Italian restaurant can't get bring 'em in on Christmas eve, it won't be around for another one.

Twin Donuts

2008-12-24T23:26:00.001-05:00

That building looks worse than ever. I saw it today and it looks like it's about to collapse.

Getting More Active

2008-12-24T23:24:00.001-05:00

What's a good cause for 2009? What does Forest Hills really need. If anyone wants to start some kind of group, let me know and I"ll promote here.

Laundry Room

2008-12-24T23:21:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I think I would like a house because of the washer/dryer, but you're talking about four loads taking four hours at least. With a laundry room, you can get it all done in an hour. The problem is when you just want to wash a couple of things. Also, when people don't take their shit out of the machine. The grace period is ten minutes.

Queens Palace

2008-12-24T23:19:00.002-05:00

There used to be a Chinese place where I think BJ's drugs is now by the 112th. It was the best in Forest Hills. East Ocean Palace is good, but every now and they they'll hit you with 3/4 full containers but still get you for $13.95 per dish. Uncool.

PS 101 & 196

2008-12-24T23:18:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder to anyone with any kind of say in the Department of Education. So goes 101 and 196, so goes Forest Hills. If the parents are pissed about something, I suggest you listen to them and try your best to fix it.

Traffic Light at 76th and Austin (At Austin St. Park)

2008-12-24T23:15:00.002-05:00

I've often thought about lobbying for a traffic light at the intersection of 76th and Austin, at the Austin Street park. But then I worry that there would be too much honking when the light turns green and with the idiotic drivers not being able to comprehend that the first car has to move, then the second, then the third. . .

Austin Street traffic in general in the very kid-friendly stretch is too fast and too heavy.

Trolley

2008-12-24T23:13:00.001-05:00

How about the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce arrange a $1 trolley to run Austin to Metropolitan. I'd take it three times a week and so would hundreds of others.

Don't Block the Box

2008-12-24T23:12:00.002-05:00

Laughable. People block the Continental/Austin box almost every light cycle. Just prevent turns during peak traffic times or put an arrow there.

Firetrucks

2008-12-24T23:10:00.001-05:00

I see engine 305 more often than 151 (the ladder one), but 151 is ususally the one on the way to a fire.

Chick N' Green Where Are You?

2008-12-24T23:05:00.004-05:00

That Tossed-like salad bar that was supposed to open in November on 72nd Rd across from Queen of Martyrs still has paper over all the windows. Victim of tight credit? Or just ordinary delays.

Natural Market

2008-12-24T23:04:00.001-05:00

If you haven't noticed the smaller lines, you aren't looking in the right Natural.

Midway Theater

2008-12-24T23:03:00.001-05:00

Last movie I saw there, Life Aquatic with Steve Zassou. All style, no substance.

Day 6 of No Shovelling

2008-12-24T23:02:00.000-05:00

Via email:

East side of Ascan near bakery next to LIRR tracks - about 20 feet of ice b/t the barbershop and the LIRR tunnel which my 3 year old fell on a couple days ago. Not sure whose responsibility it is to shovel there (LIRR?) but it is a hazard.

Nick's

2008-12-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

When it gets below 30 degrees, you can't eat there. Half the tables are six feet from the door.

Feng's Garden?

2008-12-24T16:53:00.002-05:00

Feng's garbage. But if you like your chinese portions big, this place is for you. Eight dollars gets you more twice cooked pork than I've ever seen.

Swimming Pool At Flushing Meadows

2008-12-24T16:51:00.001-05:00

How is it? Thinking of joining for the year.

Holiday Tipping

2008-12-24T16:50:00.001-05:00

Lots of talk about cutting down on tips this year. My advice? Keep it the same as every year.

Cops Should Have Been at Continental/Austin Today

2008-12-24T16:48:00.001-05:00

For all the times I see the police hanging out at that intersection, there were needed today with all the traffic. But there weren't any. I saw an ambulance trying to get through it for at least three light cycles.

Yankees

2008-12-24T16:47:00.003-05:00

I think they're getting money funneled to them through Goldman Sachs' TARP credit fund. They have a very close relationship.

Church Parking

2008-12-24T16:46:00.001-05:00

Sundays after the late morning mass lets out is the best time to find parking in AQUA.

Four Ones

2008-12-24T16:45:00.001-05:00

Can't give them my business anymore. Too much honking, too many red lights ran.

Mayor Cranky

2008-12-24T08:58:00.004-05:00

His friend Caroline Kennedy is actually getting assessed by the media - a completely necessary procedure when there's no election. But the Mayor thinks it's unnecceary. Quote from the 12/21 Daily News:

"The governor should make a decision reasonably quickly because this is just getting out of control," Bloomberg said. "Everybody's focusing on the wrong things."

Everybody's focusing on the wrong things? You know the man's getting cranky when people don't do exactly as he wants them to.

Chop Chop

2008-12-23T15:17:00.011-05:00

This is Forest Park. Most people love the fact that this thicket of trees resembling an actual forest can be found right here in Queens. However, it's not perfect in there. Reports of some un-parklike activities have swirled around Forest Park for years. Some just avoid the forest part altogether due to rumors of things like roaming wild dogs (which I have never seen).

With green space at a premium, what if we made a radical change to some of it (not all).

What if we cut down about a quarter of the trees and opened it up - ala Central Park or Juniper Valley. It's not a decision to take lightly as once the trees are gone, they're gone. But as blasphemus as it sounds, I would not miss the forest part that much. But some nice well-planned green fields with amenities, that's something I can get used to.

Grand Concourse Finished - Queens Blvd Next???

2008-12-23T15:01:00.005-05:00

With the completion of the Grand Concourse redesign project, Queens residents hope the DOT will look towards QB next.

The ugly speedway which divides neighborhoods went through safety improvements in 2001, which consisted of putting metal gates between intersections to keep people from jaywalking. Steven Melnick's group was also at the forefront of planting intermittent small trees between Union Turnpike and Woodhaven Blvd.

The small trees and safety improvements are welcomed, but a complete redesign is necessary.

Word of advice to NYC - forget the High Line for now. It's a new public-funded $200 million dollar park overlooking a new public funded $500 million dollar park. Let the insanely wealthy property owners who stand to benefit immensely pay for the High Line (they already got the beautiful Hudson River Park for free).

It's time to put some of those hundreds of millions towards Queens Blvd which affects exponentially more citizens.

Grand Concourse Announcement: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot//html/pr2008/pr08_058.shtml