Forest Hills grew out of an experiment--the transformation of 142 undeveloped acres into America's first garden city. From the early renderings of 1909 came a "fairy-book suburb," as Sinclair Lewis wrote, with architecture that was inspired by medieval villages. The success of the community bred development of homes, churches, and businesses on nearby plots. Forest Hills landed the most prestigious tennis tournament in the country. Theodore Roosevelt visited. Helen Keller moved in. Only generations later would the peace shatter when residents viciously protested a historic proposal for public housing.
Local author Nicholas Hirshon was a reporter for the New York Daily News from 2005 to 2011, covering community news, breaking stories, and features. This is his second book. His first, Images of America: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (2010), is the only book on the Long Island arena known for hosting the NHL's New York Islanders.
I love seeing old photos of Forest Hills! There are some great ones hanging on the walls at Nick's Pizza.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to think of all the potential Forest Hills had/s when you walk down Austin Street and see all of the empty store fronts.
ReplyDeleteOur problem should be having too many great restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from instead of thinking "oh, not that place" or "Is that place still open???" or "No, that place closed last month"
We should be able to find everything we need to buy within a short distance than discussing with friends how it was easier and quicker to go into the city to buy something than transferring two subways and on to a bus because we aren't lucky enough to hop in a car or afford a cab everywhere.
We should have friends who want to come to Forest Hills to hang out because they heard how great it was versus saying "let's just meet in the city since the only decent thing in your neighborhood is Nicks"
If landlords could see the potential of lowering the high rents so various small business owners could afford to open up shops and restaurants, think about how great our neighborhood could be again. Think about all of the people who already live here deciding that commuting into the city every day is too much of a grind and it's time for them to open up that cafe they always dreamed about AND being able to afford to do so and the outpouring support from neighbors.
Landlords of empty storefronts due to high rates should be fined heavily by the city and state instead of being given tax credits. It's NOT that they can't rent out the space, they are unwilling to rent it out for reasonable rents and would rather wait in hopes we will need another health clinic.
It is what it is. There are plenty of fantastic new restaurants and bars that have opened in Forest Hills in the past few years. I really don't know what Forest Hills you are referring to. Sure, there are empty storefronts. There are all over the city. The fun will be watching what interesting new places open here in the next several months. There's already a new restaurant under construction as we speak right on Austin Street, where Bonfire Grill used to be (which wasn't very good, btw.) And I personally can't keep up with all the new places that have opened recently on Metropolitan Ave. and on Queens Blvd. So, I think your comment is just not an accurate reflection of this neighborhood. There are a few things missing in terms of types of food I can think of. But only a handful.
DeleteAnd, by the way, you live in the "city." You don't have to go into it, you're already there.
Austin Street has been in need of the fun Drake refers to for a looong time now.
DeleteMost "foodie" areas like Williamsburg, Astoria and the Village attract childless couples and singles. They have the money and time to support these innovative, creative eateries. Unfortunately, Forest Hills has two large populations that don't eat out much: those with kids and the elderly. That's why mediocre, child-friendly places like TGIF and Buffalo Wild Wings are doing well. With the arrival of rental buildings like the Aston, however, more young people are coming in and the higher quality places are opening up.
DeleteThe Aston is a luxury CONDOMINIUM, not a rental.
DeleteThe new restaurant taking the place of Bonfire Grill is from the owners of Jack & Nellie's, by the way. Should be great.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting, Drake!
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