The Gardens Has Its Own War on Rats

Just like the rest of NYC (though we haven't named our own "rat czar" yet...) some Gardens residents have reported spotting rats in parts of our neighborhood. We want to remind all residents that we share our community with many forms of wildlife. While most are pleased to see some types of wildlife such as hawks, chipmunks, and rabbits, everyone agrees that rats should be discouraged from staying and setting up home.

So please take a moment to read the following and consider whether you are doing your part to discourage unwanted wildlife (such as rats!) in our community:

Eliminate Food Sources:

Now that it is required by the city to store all garbage in hard plastic animal-resistant containers with tight fitting lids, it should be helpful in deterring unwanted wildlife. The same is true of compost material. But please don't turn around and throw out stale bread or leftovers for the birds or squirrels! While well intended, possibly thinking the winter makes food sourcing difficult, don't do it! As outlined in the October newsletter, people food is actually unhealthy for wildlife -- and it attracts rodents!

Encourage rats to go elsewhere for their meals:

1. Store bird seed, grass seed and pet food in galvanized metal cans with tight-fitting lids.
2. Tightly close compost bins.
3. Use wildlife-proof trash cans or secure trash cans with bungee cords.
4. Clean up dropped fruit from around fruit trees.
5. Remove outdoor pet food bowls each night.
6. Use no-spill bird feeders filled with spicy bird seed or, if possible, remove bird feeders each night.
7. Empty outdoor water bowls, children's wading pools, bird baths each night. (Rats like to live close to a water source. Regularly dumping out water also prevents mosquitoes.)
8. Clean up pet droppings from the yard every day. (Rats will eat feces.)

Eliminate Shelter:

Every homeowner needs to remove the welcome mat:

1. Keep your property clean and tidy. Garbage and clutter give rats a place to hide.
2. Keep landscaped areas around your property free of tall weeds.
3. Trim shrubs that are close to the ground.
4. Cut back English Ivy (vines serve as a perfect shelter for rats).
5. Remove fireplace wood piles and brush close to buildings.

The NYC.Gov and the Human Society websites provide an abundance of information and resources to help residents with questions about how to keep their home and community safe and healthy. Be a good neighbor and make an effort to deter unwanted guests.

The only way to successfully eliminate rats in an area is if all residents take steps!

Doggie Doo Collecting in Parks

We all love our neighborhood pooches. And, yes, they need to go too -- but PLEASE, for the enjoyment of ALL residents, keep them out of our beautiful parks.

Sadly, our parks have seen an accumulation of deposits lately. While there are plenty of alternative green spaces, such as curb plots, for the dogs to "do their business"-- the Gardens parks are shared human spaces intended for young children to romp, couples to enjoy an afternoon walk, and in warmer days, for neighbors to enjoy a blanket picnic or good book under a shade tree. Everyone benefits if our parks are clean and free of unwanted surprises. Please, pet owners, take that extra step in caring for our shared spaces.

Pet waste is not simply a nuisance but it is considered a health hazard. It may attract the attention of rodents and other mammals, which themselves could be carrying nasty parasites. Additionally, leaving doggie doo on lawns can attract pests (fleas and ticks in particular, but also flies) that could carry diseases dangerous to you, your pet and your neighbor's pet.

By diligently picking up after furry companions, everyone pitches in to not only contribute to the 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 Board -

Concert Litigation Update

The FHGC Board provided an update on the concert litigation in an email distributed on February 18, 2025. In case you missed it in your inbox, a link is provided here.

Sanitary and Storm Pipes

Special Project Continues

As we look forward to the warmer months ahead, the Upkeep Committee will be advancing the crucial next phase of the Gardens' sanitary and storm system special project. Our contractor, National Sewer, will be working on-site to conduct video inspections of the next section of our sewer and drain pipes, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned and any necessary repairs are made. This initiative is a vital continuation of our planned maintenance program, which commenced a couple of years ago and is designed to assess and enhance the integrity of our entire property.

Depending on their findings, some repairs may require traditional methods, such as excavating sidewalks or roadways to replace old pipes. In other instances, an innovative solution of re-lining sections of our sanitary system may be implemented. This method, involving the insertion of a flexible "bladder" via the sidewalk grates and the application of steam pressure, allows for the creation of a seamless new pipe within the existing infrastructure, while minimizing disruption to our property.

While this technique may represent a higher upfront cost, it ultimately proves to be a more economical choice compared to the extensive excavation required for complete pipe replacement, which could also jeopardize tree roots and necessitate additional restoration of sidewalks, roadbeds, and greenery. An additional benefit is that the newly-lined and reinforced pipe created after the "bladder" cools has no "seams" like the old clay pipes -- infiltration by tree roots (the worst culprits of pipe collapses and clogs) is essentially eliminated.

A recent inspection of the sanitary pipe re-lining implemented along Greenway North, completed two years ago, has yielded fantastic results—it's in perfect shape! While maintaining our community infrastructure with minimal disruption, the entire re-lining operation took just one day, causing only a brief inconvenience of 4 to 6 hours to homeowners, with absolutely no damage to the surrounding properties. Not only was this innovative approach quick and efficient, but it also proved to be significantly more cost-effective than traditional "dig and replace" methods. 

Gardens resident, Rose Wolner, captured this stunning shot of a Cardinal on Burns Street. Be on the lookout for cardinals. The males are a vibrant red and easy to spot. They are a year-round bird, but in abundance in the winter.