Help Preserve the Oldest Forest Hills Rowhouses
From Michael Perlman [[email protected]]
June 22, 2007
I am Michael Perlman, Chairman of the “Rego-Forest Preservation Council,” which advocates for the preservation of potential individual landmarks & potential historic districts, throughout Forest Hills & Rego Park, and proudly supports the efforts of other Queens neighborhoods. I would like to inform you of an effort that Jeff Gottlieb (Pres of Central Queens Historical Assoc.) & I are working on. We would appreciate your assistance by composing a letter of support to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
We are hoping to spare an extremely significant piece of Forest Hills history; the unique “Manhattan-style” rowhouses that are on the west side of 72nd Ave between Austin St & Queens Blvd (108-11, 15, 17, 19, 21 72nd Ave). They are Forest Hills’ oldest buildings & the only remaining rowhouses of its type. They were erected in 1906 by Cord Meyer, on the first street to be cut through, Roman Ave (now 72nd Ave). They are also synonymous with the naming of Forest Hills by Cord Meyer. They were dedicated in 1991 by the Central Queens Historical Association, and re-dedicated in Aug 2006 in honor of the 100th anniversary of the rowhouses and Forest Hills’ 100th. A plaque notes their significance.
Sadly, the rowhouses on the east side of the street have been completely demolished over the last few years. Out of the 5 remaining rowhouses on the west side, 2 are imminently endangered. They’re presently for sale, and being pitched as “a perfect site for developers &/or investors.”
Current & vintage photos are as follows: [Click here to view them.]
My proposal to the LPC is here: [Click here to view the text of the letter.]
Please feel free to reference any facts, and send your version of the letter to the following addresses:
• Chairman Robert Tierney ([email protected] & [email protected]), and
• Dir. of Research Mary Beth Betts ([email protected])
and carbon copy:
• Michael Perlman ([email protected]) &
• Jeff Gottlieb ([email protected]).
Also, please encourage other potential supporters to take out a few moments, and do their share. It is important that we unite in solidarity for noteworthy causes in our neighborhood(s).
Thank you for your support!