Watch Your Evergreens...

While wet snow is wonderful for building snowmen, it can wreck havoc on your evergreens! In fact, before starting snowman construction, consider taking a broom to your shrubs and low-hanging tree branches to knock snow off to prevent severe breakage and permanent damage.

Though it is true that most bushes possess a remarkable ability to bend under pressure, the challenge arises when heavy, wet snow accumulates on their branches, leading to an abnormal weight load that can cause serious damage. This phenomenon not only threatens the health and vitality of individual plants but could impacts the overall aesthetic of your garden.

By monitoring your landscapes during winter weather, you can help mitigate the effects of heavy snow accumulation and preserve the beauty of your outdoor space.

Landscaper Clean Ups Have Paused

During this transitional period when many landscaping companies have paused their weekly visits, the dedicated FHGC crew remains steadfast in their commitment to maintaining the beauty of our community. They diligently care for our streets, sidewalks, and curb plots, addressing not only the remaining leaves but also stray trash and debris, all while managing the added responsibility of possible snow removal.

As we work together to uphold the charm of our neighborhood, we invite each resident to contribute to this collective effort. If you notice discarded bottles or boxes on your curb plot, we encourage you to pitch in by picking them up and disposing of them appropriately.

Additionally, while the changing seasons may present some challenges in maintaining a clean environment, particularly when leaves and snow blanket our lawns, we encourage all pet owners to take that extra step in caring for our shared spaces. By diligently picking up after your furry companions, you not only contribute to the pristine charm of Forest Hills Gardens but also foster a sense of pride and responsibility within our community.

Remember, a clean and well-cared-for environment enhances the experience for everyone, making our neighborhood an even more delightful place to live and enjoy. Let's work together to keep the Gardens beautiful, ensuring that we all can stroll through our picturesque surroundings without any unwelcome surprises!

FHGC Annual Meeting Well Attended

The 2024 FHGC Annual Meeting at the Community House had approximately fifty attendees.

New Board Members

The Annual Election Meeting was held on Thursday, December 5th . The proposed slate of board candidates was approved by 141 votes to 3.

3 Year terms:

Robert Lehrman

Matthew Mandell

Lawrence Pearlstein

Ross Peyser

Sidney Rose

2 Year Term – Bruce Eaton

1 Year Term – Louis O’Neill

We thank all these individuals - new and returning - for being willing to give their time and energy to help safeguard this unique neighborhood that we all call home. Their terms begin January 1, 2025.

FHGC Board Provides

Update on the Concert Litigation

The Board of Directors issued an update on the concert litigation with the West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) and Tiebreaker Productions LLC regarding the Board's efforts to protect the Gardens private-property rights and mitigate the harm to residents from concerts at Forest Hills Stadium. It was issued on December 12, 2024. In case you missed it in your inbox, it can be accessed via this link.

Winter Storm Reminders

As you know, the FHGC Crew will be out clearing the sidewalks and streets of any snow as quickly as possible following the end of a storm. While our crew is amazing, keep in mind there are 14 miles of sidewalk as well as 7 miles of streets which require their attention.

Residents can help in these efforts by observing the following steps when snowy weather is expected:

• Help the snow removal trucks move freely down our roadways; please clear the streets and park vehicles in private driveways where possible. This allows them to clear the most accumulation.

• When clearing your private driveway and walkways, remember that snow on your private property should remain there and not placed on sidewalks or in streets.

• No driveway? Car parked on the street? Please place snow removed from street parked cars in the curb plots and not on sidewalks or in streets.

• When parking your vehicles allow extra room near corners, especially on narrow streets and tight intersections, so plows can maneuver when clearing snow.

• Do not park vehicles on or near sewer or storm drains. Our crew needs to access them to clear and remove debris so melting snow can drain properly.

With everyone's help, together we can ensure that our community is accessible to emergency vehicles and our sidewalks and streets are safe for all.

Finally, remember winter weather requires extra attention - please use extreme caution when walking and driving on wet walkways and roads.

(A special thank you to all residents who assist in the removal of snow and ice from the sidewalks in the front of their homes! The crew appreciates the help.)

Say "Fir-Well" to

your Holiday Tree!

DSNY Tree Collection and

NYC Parks Department

"Mulchfest 2025"

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) conducts a special Christmas tree collection every January. During the collection period, live trees are collected, chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into rich compost for NYC's parks, institutions, and community gardens.

Set out your clean Christmas trees and wreaths with your other composting curbside the evening before your composting collection day (compost is collected every week on the same day as your recycling).

Alternatively, NYC Parks Department gives you the opportunity to take home a tree-mento! They will chip your tree and give you your very own bag of mulch to use in your backyard or to make a winter bed for a curb plot tree. "Chipping Weekend" is Saturday and Sunday January 11 and 12th from 10 to 2 pm. For more information and locations, check out

https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest.