Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Happy New Year

Rosh Hashanah begins tonight and continues through sundown Friday. Shanah Tovah!


Rumblings About the Noise

As expected, a group of people who live near the Stadium have organized to complain, this time mostly about the noise levels. It's gotten some coverage from local papers and today The NY Times chimes in: As Concerts Return to Forest Hills Stadium, So Do Complaints

I really like this part:
Some residents have begun a group, Concerned Citizens of Forest Hills, to protect their quality of life as well as their property values, which they fear are diminishing. 
I wonder if they factor into those property values how the concerts:

1) Have put Forest Hills on the map again? They've given the neighborhood marvelous free publicity, something it lost when the last concerts ended and the US Open moved away.
2) How the thousands of concert-goers that visit with each show patronize local restaurants and bars, doing wonders for all of these local businesses? Just look at all the empty store fronts on Austin and you can see how much more work needs to be done in that regard. These concerts have been a blessing for many of the establishments that have opened here recently. Have you seen the crowds outside Banter after a concert?
3) How the thousands of concert-goers who visit leave with a positive impression of our neighborhood. I've personally overheard concert-goers asking local residents things like "So how long does it take to get to Manhattan from here?" as they consider it might be a cool place to live. Again, something that only drives up property values.

Also, speaking to just Forest Hills residents now, isn't it really cool to be able to walk from your homes to a music concert and then walk home again? I've done it, and it's pretty darn awesome.

So... can you deal with a little extra noise for a few hours every several weeks during the summer to help your neighborhood thrive? Really? I mean, they always end by 10 p.m. and most have not been on school nights. And, in the long run, if you really, really think about it, you probably gain a lot too from these concerts by having an improving neighborhood with more restaurants, bars and stores to enjoy. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

What I'm Hearing...

1. Strange goings-on at the Cinemark Theater on Metropolitan Ave. Reportedly missed a child's birthday party recently, its website is down. Is it opened or closed?

2. Sign for new eatery appears in 'Austin Street Mall.' Couldn't find any reference to this place on the Web. I just hope whatever it is they want me to munch on, it's delicious...


The Replacements Concert Photos

Thanks to Aubrey for sending these in of last Friday's concert.





Sunday, September 21, 2014

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Roosevelt in The Gardens

The new Ken Burns PBS documentary The Roosevelts has taken the country by storm, with more than 9 million viewers. One of the blog's readers, @EdJQuigley, tweeted me this cool photo from the documentary of Teddy Roosevelt during his visit to Forest Hills Gardens. The scene is in Part 3, about 25 minutes in. I believe he's overlooking Station Square, where the Long Island Railroad is.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

El Coyote Opens

I know a lot of readers have been very eager to know when our newest Mexican restaurant was opening. Opening day was yesterday so you don't have to wait any longer! El Coyote is located in the upper level of the "Austin St. Mall" complex, where Garcia's used to be. And look, they even have a nice indoor palm tree...


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Banter Outdoor Seating

I believe they're using new furniture outside since they reopened their outdoor seating section. Looks very nice...


Friday, September 5, 2014

New Forest Hills Farmer's Market Vendors

One of my favorite new things in our nabe is our Farmer's Market. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of a chance to visit it Sunday for the past several weeks and finally did last weekend. They should really think of expanding the days to Sunday and maybe Wednesday evening, or some other weekday evening when the Post Office is closed.

Anyway, here's a look at some of the newest vendors. This thing keeps growing and growing... (Oh, and yes, we're talking pickles in that second photo. My stomach is growling just thinking about them...)




Aston Opening Third Week of September

  A reader sent me this:

We are thrilled to announce that The Aston will be opening the third week of September. We appreciate your interest and will be contacting you to set up an appointment to come into the Sales Office once we open. We look forward to meeting you and we will be in touch soon. 
The Aston
108-20 71st Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375
TheAston.com

 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Rest in Peace Joan

Everyone has certain entertainers who have been with them virtually their whole lives, as long as they can remember. For me, Robin Williams was one of them. And Joan Rivers was another.

One of my earliest memories of Joan Rivers was as the narrator of The Adventures of Letterman on PBS' The Electric Company when I was a just a little kid. I still remember that wonderful voice from way back then! In recent years, while she was a bit controversial (some couldn't find the humor in her brand of comedy), she was also a very progressive and charitable lady, as I tweeted a week ago.

Rest in Peace Joan, you brought a lot of laughter to the world.


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Controversy Erupts at Local School

Some parents at P.S. 101 are up in arms about a teacher's recent reinstatement.

The Daily News covers the controversy here: Queens parents shocked as city reinstates disciplined teacher at Forest Hills elementary school

I'm told that some of the parents will be holding a demonstration in front of the school Thursday morning at 8:30.