Monday, January 30, 2017

Perfect Space for a Bookshop

This is the spot where the candy store Emily's Sugar Rush used to be, now empty again. Not sure why this corner with such great windows, and in such a central part of Austin Street shopping, should be so hard to get a successful business going. There are so many obvious things Forest Hills needs that would be a huge hit.

What about that bookstore everyone wants? Would be ideal. Anyway, it's listed as "off-market," now, which seems to say it is no longer available? Anyone know what's going on with it?


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Edge of the City is Seeking Local Writers, Reporters

We are currently seeking local writers and reporters to help boost the site's local coverage. These would be unpaid positions, but you would get bylines with any stories that we post, so it would be great for anyone looking to put on their resume that they wrote for a website covering Queens and New York City.

We are seeking journalists who wish to write about all of New York City, but are especially seeking local residents in this part of Queens and the Forest Hills area who care about their neighborhood, have a knack for reporting and writing, and want to get published online! Experience is not needed! This is an entry-level opportunity for anyone who has some extra time on their hands, is in school and wants to become a reporter, or maybe is looking for a career change. (This is an especially exciting time to be a journalist!)

We would work around your schedule, you can write as much or as little as you like. 

Email EdgeOfTheCity@gmail.com for more information. 


Breaking News: Austin St. Construction Update!

Well, it seems my post from last week (I can't believe a week has gone by already!) was rather timely. A few readers contacted me this week about these new plans for that exceedingly unpleasant hole-in-the-ground next to Bareburger on Austin St.!


Brooklyn-based Austin Prop LLC has filed applications for a seven-story, 21-unit mixed-use building at 71-53 Austin Street, in Forest Hills. The project would encompass 27,878 square feet and rise 70 feet in height.
Read more: New York YIMBY

Below is an old photo of the site, when plans still included another walk-in medical clinic (which had raised the ire, and scorn, of many of the Blog's readers!)

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Austin Street Construction Site Update

We noticed that that big hole-in-the-ground construction site next to Bareburger has taken down its "Coming Soon: Urgent Care" sign. This is potentially a good "sign" for the neighborhood. I know many readers found it downright laughable that a third walk-in medical clinic was potentially in the offering for our main shopping thoroughfare. Especially when we have already lost one of our wonderful movie theaters to one, and an Italian restaurant to another!

I have no problem with a walk-in medical clinic, but do we really need three of them on our main shopping drag? Especially when there are so many great new shopping or eating establishments we could still use.

Below is what the site used to look like. The "Coming Soon ProHealth" sign has now been removed.

If I recall correctly, the original idea for this site, or at least the original rumored idea, was for it to become a clothing store like H&M.


Sunday, January 8, 2017

Recommended Restaurants Page Updated for 2017!

It's been a long time in coming, but the Blog's Recommended Area Restaurants Page has finally been updated with three new local spots making the cut, and one, unfortunately, having to drop off due to closure.

Happy feasting, my friends!


Queens Blvd. DOT Safety Workshop This Thursday

The Department of Transportation is hosting a workshop in Rego Park this Thursday, January 12th to determine how Queens residents want Queens Boulevard redesigned for safety. This is your BEST and most direct way of giving input into a multi-million dollar redesign.

The portion of the redesign covers Queens Boulevard between the Long Island Expressway overpass and Yellowstone Boulevard and it will implement safety measures such as extending the protected bike lane, adding more pedestrian space and redesigning dangerous intersections.

In 2016, there were 0 deaths on Queens Boulevard. We need you to come to the workshop and help maintain Zero on Queens Boulevard for Queens families and residents who use the street every day.
RSVP!

What: Queens Boulevard Department of Transportation Safety Workshop

Where: PS 139 Rego Park 93-06 63rd Dr. (between Booth St and Wetherole St)

When: 6PM to 8PM

Contact Juan Restrepo for more information on improving Queens Blvd. at juan.restrepo@transalt.org