|
|
|
Forest Hills Gardens Corporation
Monthly News & Updates ~ July, 2024
|
|
|
|
Street Closure Notification - July 31st
|
|
Many streets will be blocked off for the annual Gardens street closure. Why is it required each year?
Legally, in order to maintain the private status of our streets, it is required that they be closed for at least one day each year. The Gardens chooses an annual mid-summer date with the assumption that it causes the least disruption, since schools are closed and many residents may be away. This year, the streets will be closed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 31.
While it is unlikely that residents have a large party planned for mid-week, the day should be marked on all calendars so that inconveniences can be avoided for both residents and visitors. Residents will be able to reach their homes, but it may require a bit of a detour. It is recommended that residents familiarize themselves with an alternative route to avoid frustration that day. A map of the Gardens is provided to assist with planning.
Remember: this is an important legal requirement and it is for the benefit of all residents — please be respectful of the crew and the numerous volunteers who man the barricades and let them do their jobs. Please do not insist on the removal of the barricades and create an uncomfortable situation.
These barricades are required and only official emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and NYPD are allowed passage through the barricades. Your cooperation in abiding by these essential closures for the few hours they are in effect will be sincerely appreciated.
|
 |
|
Neighborhood Tree Challenge--can you identify this tree? (answer below)
|
|
All Newsletters Are Available on the FHGC Website
If you're looking to dive back into the treasure trove of articles from past newsletters or immerse yourself in the visual splendor of photos from the previous season, look no further than the Newsletter tab on our website, www.fhgc.org. It's your gateway to nostalgia, knowledge, and inspiration all conveniently located in one place. Explore, reminisce, and enjoy the wealth of content waiting for you to rediscover.
|
|
Community Gathered for Flag Day
|
|
On Saturday, June 15th, residents celebrated for the 104th Flag Day in the Gardens (and what a festive celebration it was!) led by our Master of Ceremonies Tony Barsamian and joined by Boy Scout Troop 349, members of the American Legion, the 112th Precinct of the NYPD and invited dignitaries together with an enthusiastic turnout of residents and friends of the Gardens.
|
|
This month's featured FHGC Committee:
Parking
|
|
Living in close proximity to a bustling shopping, dining, and transportation hub brings a unique vibrancy to our community. However, it also presents challenges, particularly in managing the influx of vehicles searching for parking.
To address this, the Parking Committee diligently oversees the implementation of parking controls on our private streets. With the dedicated efforts of the Gardens staff, they administer the annual distribution of parking decals and collaborate closely with Knights Towing, our trusted parking control agents, to ensure that illegally parked vehicles are addressed promptly and efficiently.
This proactive approach - using both decals and parking passes - not only enhances the quality of life for all Gardens residents but also fosters a sense of order and harmony within our neighborhood.
|
 |
|
The Corporation is looking for individuals at least 16 years old to assist the Gardens crew with manning the barricades during the July 31st Street Closing. This one-day paid position will require individuals to work from 8 am to 4 pm (with bathroom and lunch breaks of course!) Please contact the office for further details by July 25th at 718-268-2420.
|
|
Friends of Station Square (FOSS) Landscapers
at Work
|
|
The flag pole in FlagPole Green was originally built to be on water, rather than land.
It was originally the mast on a famous American racing yacht and was repurposed as our flag pole in 1915!
America's Cup Yacht Columbia
|
|
New Member Brunch Enjoyed By All!
|
|
The FHGC Membership Committee hosted a New Member Brunch last month to welcome new homeowners to our community. This well-attended gathering was held at The Community House with numerous FHGC Board members as well as representatives from several committees (including Communications, Security, Upkeep, Architecture, and more) on hand.
While questions were addressed and relevant community information shared, the youngest additions to our community were entertained with juggling, magic tricks and more. All new members were greatly appreciative of the efforts to welcome them.
Now post-Covid, the Membership Committee was thrilled to be able to reinstate this important annual event.
Stay tuned for additional community events planned for the fall!
|
|
|
|
Neighborhood Tree Challenge Answer: Horse Chestnut, aka Buckeye or European Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) This unique tree is covered in delicate white flowers in the spring, which then turn into the really cool spiky green balls in the fall! These balls encase the tree’s fruit and reveal a shiny brown nut when opened. But don't be fooled! Eating these nuts will make you sick! While often confused with the Sweet Chestnut tree, which bears edible nuts, Horse Chestnut's nuts are not for consumption.
|
|
|
|
National Grid Gas Updates
|
|
During the month of July, National Grid will continue to upgrade our aging cast iron pipes with high pressure gas lines on various Gardens streets (noted in yellow on the map to the left.) Access into homes on the affected streets will be required to complete these connections. Look for communication from Hallen, National Grid's contractor.
|
|
Major work is being undertaken at various locations throughout the Gardens --- namely, the repaving of various streets this summer! All of Ascan Avenue, Continental Avenue, Herrick Street, Exeter Street, and Tennis Place (from Dartmouth to Exeter) will be newly paved in the coming weeks if the weather cooperates. Look for additional FHGC eblasts outlining the specific dates and times all vehicles will be required to be removed from these locations.
Planning to be out of town this month and your car is parked on any of these streets? Maybe leave your keys with a neighbor to avoid being towed or make alternative plans.
|
|
|
|
IMPORTANT!
PROVIDE THE FHGC OFFICE WITH
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS!
Please contact the Gardens office
(call 718-268-2420 or email info@fhgc.org)
It is extremely important that each resident provide the Gardens office with current contact information for staff to maintain on file.
Emergencies happen! Vacations happen!
And with all the work noted above, it is crucial that homeowners can be reached so vehicles can be moved or home access arranged for this vital work to continue.
|
|
|
Upcoming Community Events:
-Forest Hills Gardens National Grid Work/Street Closures (look for eblasts)
-Forest Hills Gardens Road Paving/Closures (various dates possible this month)
-Forest Hills Gardens Annual Private Street Closure: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
-FHG Foundation Early Gardens History talk: Saturday, November 9, 2024
|
|
|
|
Forest Hills Gardens Communication Committee:
Fouad Beydoun (co-chair), Christine O'Brien Beydoun (co-chair),
Wendy Bachman, Courtney Evangelista, Jennifer Meier, Steve Silberberg, Robert Stieglitz, Mona Tata, Jacques Tortoroli, Catherine Wigdor
|
|
|
|
|
