MTA Speak

One of my favorites, “We apologize for the unavoidable delay.”

How in this universe can a delay be “unavoidable?” It’s simply not possible. Something, somewhere, somehow at sometime could have been done to avoid it.

George must be rolling over in his grave, or laughing I guess.

Gem Story’s New Beginning? Clearwire

A post on Queens Central reports that the former Gem Story store on Austin  (next to Martha’s Bakery) has been leased by a company named “Clearwire“, a wireless broadband company. The website “jobs” link has a listing for NYC and they just had interviews in Queens on 7/29.

Show Some Imagination For Pete’s Sake!

Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz

I was just reading this article about the possible sale of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. I particularly love a quote in it from our Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz: “We could use senior housing, that would be wonderful, but I don’t know what they intend to do,” Koslowitz said.

Senior housing? That is the best you can come up with Karen?

Is this how her mind works? “Hmmm, demolish the tennis stadium, how to get more votes, who votes the most? Senior Housing!!!”

Like a broken record. And a symbol of everything that is wrong with politics in Forest Hills and pretty much everywhere in this country today. A completely selfish perspective where every decision is based on “How can I get re-elected?” instead of what would truly benefit all of Forest Hills’ residents.

Is “senior housing” really the best use for the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium? How about figuring out a way to once again bring this historic marvel back to its glorious former self and host cultural events like classical music, jazz or other concerts? That’s just one idea. And, hey, tennis tournaments might be a good one, too.

But you don’t knock down a grand historic structure just to build “senior housing.”

Show some imagination for Pete’s sake Karen!

Time Out NY’s Queens Issue

So they give us some coverage, but not so much for our restaurants, which have really been improving in the past year or two! And what?! Tuscan Hills isn’t on the list?? Are they mad?! At least they mention Homefront’s fudge, which loyal readers will recall I found first! 😉

One thing I am glad about is that they give a much-deserved shout-out to the Kew Gardens Cinemas. What a great place.

Another Article About The Tennis Stadium

Here’s another article about the potential sale/demolition of the Tennis Stadium:

CRUMBLING FORMER SITE OF US OPEN IN FOREST HILLS COULD BE SOLD: THIS WEEK IN TENNIS BUSINESS

Detachment Film – Update

Nary a sign of the filming of "Detachment" could be found in front of the 72nd Ave. site Friday morning.

Well, it looks like those involved with the filming of the movie “Detachment”– Adrien Brody, James Caan, et al. —  have finally moved on to other locations. But not apparently before giving those who live in back of the apartment building where they were filming a wide open look at just about everything they were doing! A reader emailed to tell me that until about 1 a.m. last night the shoot could be clearly seen through a wide open window overlooking the courtyard in back of the building on 72nd Ave. This reader said he didn’t catch a glimpse of any stars, but at one point a scene was definitely being filmed. The place was aglow with lights, cameras and action!

It’s interesting that they chose such an ordinary–albeit pleasantly Forest Hillsian–street to film on. And then that building in particular. It’s a very nice one, but so are all the other apartment buildings on the block. Such a mystery! I wonder if they were filming in a vacant apartment in that building or, if it was occupied, if they somehow knew the person who lives there?

If anyone reading this is involved in the project, or is simply knowledgeable about the film business and has any thoughts to share on the subject, please leave a comment or email me.

A Night in the Hills

Just a couple of nighttime shots from the hood:

A close up of the new, yet-to-open Twin Value Marketplace on Queens Blvd. near Ascan. Boy those signs are bright!

I snapped this shot of the food spread at the "Detachment" movie shoot on 72nd Ave. When I tried to take pictures of the film crew I was politely asked not to... so I obliged.

Fiilming Update

Film crew trucks remain parked on 72nd Ave this morning for the movie Detachment. Adrien Brody and James Caan have reportedly been there.

The building on 72nd Ave. where filming of the movie is taking place.

Willow Lake Work Progressing

I’ve always wondered about this pedestrian bridge I’ve seen in Google maps over Grand Central Parkway. I once went looking for it and found nothing. Now, an observant reader reports that real progress is being made to bring this bridge back as an active walkway from Forest Hills to Willow Lake, a wetlands area of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is in the process of being restored:

“For the past few months, when I drive to work, I’ve noticed work being done to what I thought was a restored entrance to Flushing Meadows Park over the Grand Central Parkway (end of 72nd Rd & the Grand Central Parkway service road – caddy corner to the Nathan Hale Coop).  I assumed this entrance would open soon, but after doing some research, I found this article and it appears this new entrance is only the first step in a long process.”

Here is the article the reader is referring to, from the Queens Tribune: Seed Planted For Willow Lake’s Return

And here is more information from the NYC Parks Department on its plans for the area’s restoration.

This will be a terrific thing for Forest Hills when completed. Imagine taking a short walk to a lake and nature trail.

I will check it out when I have some time and post some photos of the restoration. If you have any more information about it, please post below. Thanks.

MTA Fare Hike Proposal

I think this is potentially some of the worst news I have seen in quite a while for the city if you consider how the unlimited MetroCard has transformed riders’ habits and opened up the entire city to its residents. With an unlimited MetroCard you thought nothing of hopping on the express train from Forest Hills to spend an afternoon in Manhattan. Now, you very well might think twice. Bad for Forest Hills, bad for Manhattan, bad all around.

Specifically I am referring to this excerpt from the article: “The unlimited subway and bus MetroCard, which pushed ridership to record levels after its introduction in the 1990s and revolutionized the way New Yorkers imagine their transit system, could also be on the way out. One proposal would place limits on how many rides could be taken on monthly and weekly passes.”

From The Times:

N.Y. / Region

M.T.A. to Propose New Fare Increases

By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM

Published: July 28, 2010

The proposals are to be unveiled Wednesday, just weeks after severe service cuts were imposed on the transit system.