a SpOoKtAcUlAr HaLlOwEeN!!!

WiShInG eVeRyOnE a SpOoKtAcUlAr HaLlOwEeN fRoM rEgO-fOrEsT pReSeRvAtIoN cOuNcIl!!!

 

Unveiling Our Flyer: Please Volunteer & Distribute

 Extra! Extra! Rego-Forest Preservation Council has just released its promotional flyer...

The flyer encompasses our mission statement, links to our Rego-Forest Preservation Council Blog and self-titled Facebook Group, and a link to distinctive and historic neighborhood photos and memorabilia on Rego-Forest Preservation Council's Flickr It also explains how the public can support the preservation of Rego Park, Forest Hills, and Queens at large.

We are seeking support from community and citywide residents, preservation and cultural organizations, property owners, architects, urban planners, conservationists, and more. You name it! Let's bring the teamwork back into the neighborhood, and subtract greed which would culminate in insensitive alterations and the demolition of site & district "landmarks at heart," and would also result in the elimination of our precious green spaces and trees, if we don't "fight the good fight" in a proactive manner.

Please download the flyer by clicking on the photo, contact Chairman Michael Perlman at unlockthevault@hotmail.com, provide copies to your family and friends, bring it to your board meetings and events, and please don't hesitate to invite us.

The images on our flyer (left to right) represents a fraction of the types of individual buildings and sometimes surrounding neighborhood districts that merit preservation:

1. Sutton Hall, 109-14 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills
2. Midway Theatre, 108-22 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills
3. Earliest apartment houses on Saunders St between 63rd Dr & Elliot Ave, Rego Park
4. Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, 1 Tennis Place, Forest Hills Gardens
5. Forest Hills Inn & Station Square, Forest Hills Gardens
6. Eddie's Sweet Shop (formerly Witt's Ice Cream), 105-29 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills

How Landmarking Would Help The West Side Tennis Club or A Future Owner

To West Side Tennis Club: 

Rego-Forest Preservation Council urges you to consider us an ally, and explore some pros of obtaining a combination of city, state, and federal landmark designation for the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium and complex:

I. Limits some alterations and demolition of historic sites, which would otherwise inhibit the harmonious architectural character of a property, properties, and potentially reduce property values and economic benefits of a site &/or neighborhood.

II. Conveys prestige and neighborhood pride, and helps bond the generations on the basis of a property or properties’ architectural, cultural, & historical merit.

III. Grant eligibility: While Landmarking increases property recognition, it will increase the likelihood of acquiring grants. A sampling of several programs which make funding available, are as follows:

- The NY Landmarks Conservancy is a preservation non-profit that provides funding via grants/tax credits to property owners and religious institutions wishing to rehabilitate and restore their buildings, and offers technical assistance. The NY Landmarks Conservancy’s website is http://www.nylandmarks.org, which includes various programs.

- In conjunction with Landmarking via the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, placement on the State & National Register of Historic Places is also significant for the commemoration and acquisition of state and federal grants for historically-sensitive upgrades and restoration work. The State Historic Preservation’s Office’s State & National Register of Historic Places can also assist property owners with their needs, by utilizing federal tax benefits associated with the purchase or rehabilitation of properties on state & national levels: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/shpo/

      The West Side Tennis Club board and members should realize that regardless of the percentage that is granted through a combination of city, state, and federal incentives, funding can also be acquired from independent individual and organizational donors. The WSTC does not have to drain their pockets. The multi-faceted fundraising aspect, and the long-term economic benefit of a creatively mixed-use historic icon for the greater American public, as initially envisioned and proven throughout nearly a century of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, should be considered.

Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe Says Landmark The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium & Clubhouse!

Rego-Forest Preservation Council owes gratitude to Ms. Moutoussamy-Ashe, wife of the late Arthur Ashe, for lending her voice to the landmark letter campaign for the endangered Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. We proudly bring you a first-hand account from the wife of one of the country's greatest tennis players of all time:

The legendary Arthur Ashe; 1 of 2 who broke the racial color barrier in tennis history at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium

October 6, 2010

Dear Chairman Tierney & Landmarks Preservation Commission Staff,

I am writing entreating you to consider voting to grant landmark status to the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, courts, interiors, and the Clubhouse of the West Side Tennis Club. The venue holds claim to a storied history as the location of the US Open from 1915 until 1977: all the champions of the sport throughout that time period, including my late husband Arthur Ashe, played on those courts. Setting aside its place in tennis history, Forest Hills has hosted concerts and events for some of the most prominent and legendary figures in pop culture. It is certainly an important part of cultural history.

However, the reason why it is so important to preserve the stadium is not simply that all the greats have played there, but because it represents the progress and achievements of tennis, and furthermore, of the last American century. When Althea Gibson won on center court in 1957 or when Arthur won his first Grand Slam title there in 1968, barriers were broken, moving the sport of tennis forward. Forest Hills stands as a reminder and the physical embodiment of that fact. Additionally, it was also here that in 1968 the first "open" US championships were held, signifying tennis' move to become a less stratified and more democratic sport. Both of these episodes - breaking the color barrier and the democratization of tennis - are tremendous achievements in tennis history. Furthermore, these accomplishments are representative of the shifts in American society during the 20th century. Forest Hills stands as a signifier for the progress of tennis and America.

It is my sincere hope that you will consider my remarks and what Forest Hills means, beyond being bricks and mortar. It truly is a monument to hope and history, for myself, many Americans, and countless others across the world. Thank you so much for your time.

www.arthurashe.org 

Press Round-Up: Condos Rejected at Famed Forest Hills Tennis Stadium

On October 7, 2010, 56% of 291 voting-eligible members of the West Side Tennis Club voted to reject the typical condos proposed by Cord Meyer, which would have demolished the majority of the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, and would have deprived the greater community of a mixed-use stadium of great potential. If approved by a 2/3 vote required by the bylaws, it would have applied a quick-fix, temporary solution for the West Side Tennis Club on settling a debt (according to published reports). Since the WSTC membership has spoken on the basis of their vote, and the greater public had an influence to date, this resulted in a steady stream of press coverage:

1. Rego-Forest Preservation Council Press Release, The Ball Is In Our Court! 10/8/10: http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com/2010/10/condos-rejected-for-forest-hills-tennis.html

2. Wall St Journal, Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Won't Go Condo, 10/8/10:
http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/...2010/10/08/forest-hills-tennis-stadium-wont-go-condo/
Tennis Club Blocks A Sale:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704696304575538870265370624.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

3. NY1 News, Historic Queens Tennis Club Votes Down Condo Deal, 10/8/10: http://queens.ny1.com/content/126849/historic-queens-tennis-club-votes-down-condo-deal

4. Queens Ledger (Forest Hills Times), West Side Tennis Stadium Won't Be Sold, 10/7/10:
http://www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/9827120/article-BREAKING-NEWS--West-Side-Tennis-Stadium-Won-t-Be-Sold

5. Carter's View, WSTC Vote Does Not Approve Residential Conversion of Its Stadium, 10/8/10:
http://www.cityrealty.com/new-york-city-real-estate/carters-view/west-side-tennis-club-vote-does-not-approve-residential-conversion-stadium/35242

6. Queens Courier, Historic Tennis Stadium Rejects Developer, 10/12/10:
http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2010/10/12/news/top_stories/doc4cb46cc02338b253155771.txt

7. Forest Hills Patch, What's Next For The Tennis Stadium, 10/12/10:
http://foresthills.patch.com/articles/whats-next-for-the-tennis-stadium

8. NY Post, West Side Tennis Club Won't Sell, 10/13/10:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/west_side_tennis_club_won_sell_qvmXiyegrgp1qpyL6eO8qN?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=

9. Queens Gazette, Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Gets Reprieve, 10/13/10:
http://www.qgazette.com/news/2010-10-13/Front_Page/Forest_Hills_Tennis_Stadium_Gets_Reprieve.html

10. Times Ledger (Forest Hills Ledger), West Side Tennis Club Won't Sell, 10/14/10: http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/10/14/whitestone_times/news/wt_west_side_tennis_club_stadium_vote_20101014.txt

11. Queens Chronicle, Tennis Stadium Stays In The Picture, 10/14/10:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20448971&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574907&rfi=6%20-%2042k

12. Queens Tribune, Stadium Condo Plans Shot Down By Club, 10/14/10: http://www.queenstribune.com/deadline/Deadline_101410_StadiumCondoPlan.html

13. Forum West, Set Point: West Side Tennis Club Rejects Condo Proposal, 10/14/10: http://forumnewsgroup.blogspot.com/search/label/west%20side%20tennis%20stadium http://forumnewsgroup.blogspot.com/2010/10/this-weeks-forum-south-and-west.html

Weiner Praises Decision to Reject Razing of Forest Hills Stadium

 Rego-Forest Preservation Council extends our gratitude to Congressman Anthony Weiner of NY's 9th District. To date, he has worked with us and other concerned citizens, hoping to preserve and reuse the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. When facing the prospect of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium being sold to a condo developer if 2/3 of the West Side Tennis Club membership would approve, in August 2010, he deemed the cause an issue for the greater community, realizing who it was conceived for, and how it entertained generations since 1923. He urged the WSTC to listen to the opinions of the greater public, so everyone can have a role in its future. He also collaborated upon a feasibility study endorsed by Councilmember Karen Koslowitz, State Senator Toby Stavisky, & Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, urging the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to study the issue closely, and consider holding a public hearing. In addition, he released public statements, urging the USTA to consider holding at least 1 US Open match per year at the stadium (original home), as a means of increasing the viability of the WSTC, stadium, and community, while preserving a historic site.

 Weiner Praises Decision to Reject Razing of Forest Hills Stadium 

Queens, NY (Oct 8, 2010) - Following a vote by the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, NY not to sell their historic tennis stadium to developers, Rep. Anthony D. Weiner (D- Brooklyn and Queens) released the following statement:

 

 "My neighbors and I are gratified by the decision of the members of the West Side Tennis Club to reject the proposal to sell development rights to the historic stadium.”

“This will give us all a chance to take a step back, take a deep breath and explore the best way forward to preserve this iconic site while respecting the rights of the club members. This is good news.”

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Condos Rejected for Forest Hills Tennis Stadium: The Ball Is In Our Court!

For Immediate Release

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Sept 4, 2010 By Michael Perlman

View from top center of grandstands of Forest Hills Tennis Stadium towards courts & West Side Tennis Clubhouse, By Peter Dutton, July 31, 2010

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium circa 1938, Published by Miller Art Co & Courtesy of Michael Perlman Postcard Collection

Contact: Chairman Michael Perlman

Rego-Forest Preservation Council

unlockthevault@hotmail.com  
http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com

QUEENS, NY (October 8, 2010) - The ball is in the court of "Forest Hills!" The iconic yet endangered Forest Hills Tennis Stadium earned a reprieve on October 7, 2010. Cord Meyer Development's proposal to build condos and demolish the majority of the stadium was rejected by West Side Tennis Club members, after not receiving a 2/3 vote (required by bylaws) to approve a sale. The vote was 123-123, proving that only 246 of 291 voting-eligible members voted, and the remainder made a rightful prediction of the outcome.

Rather than Cord Meyer trying to strain the heart of supporters of Queens' most deserving landmark, Chairman Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council and its members, and citizens alike, can now focus more precisely on exploring creative mixed-use ventures for the Stadium, and continuing our advocacy for city, state, and federal landmark status to preserve a local to international icon, while opening the door to funding (including independent organizational grants) for a much-needed restoration and historically-sensitive upgrades (approximately $12 million). 

  

Perlman explains "Disney-esque condos would have torn the heart out of Forest Hills. Mixed-use creative revitalization would yield a greater economic return in the long-run, and may feature tennis matches, concerts, weddings, exhibits, school trips, charity events, music and art festivals, etc. It would abide with its original and proven mission as "America's Tennis Stadium" according to a 1922 ad. It has the potential to be a 21st century family destination, bring our communities closer together, boost tourism, convey historic pride, educate our children, and help local businesses through tough economic times, and be an incentive for newer businesses i.e. on the Austin St corridor." The USTA and International Tennis Hall of Fame have offered their expertise, and the NY Philharmonic is considering use of the stadium as their summer home.

Chairman Michael Perlman launched a grassroots campaign on July 23, 2010, after learning that the historic stadium might be sold & demolished, and submitted a Request For Evaluation form with 50 pages consisting of primary sources to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, recommending the Stadium, Clubhouse, grounds, & interiors for NYC Landmark status. Perlman also reached out and met with local politicians. A landmark letter campaign and petition drive to the LPC and elected officials is ongoing, calling on a public hearing as a first step in the process. 

On October 6, 2010, Rego-Forest Preservation Council published an appeal to the West Side Tennis Club, encouraging members to "consider the firsts in tennis, music, and architectural history, and vote to preserve an international icon" at the October 7th club meeting. Designed by award-winning architect Kenneth Murchison and built by The Foundation Co, it was the first concrete tennis stadium countrywide, was home to the US Open, Davis Cup, & Wightman Cup. It hosted players such as Bill Tilden, Helen Jacobs, Roger Federer, and Arthur Ashe & Althea Gibson who broke the racial color barrier. The Stadium also played cinematic roles, as it featured key scenes of Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train. Annual music festivals and concerts took ground in the late 1950s - late 1990s, featuring The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, The Monkees, The Who, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, Simon & Garfunkel, Trini Lopez, Peter, Paul, & Mary, and more legendary acts.

Rego-Forest Preservation Council will continue advocating for landmark status, creative reuse, and seeking benefactors, and hopes the West Side Tennis Club will confide in us an ally, and work cooperatively towards a viable future for the historic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, which reflects the sentiments and ideals of the greater American public. 

Photos

1. Rego-Forest Preservation Council Photoset featuring Stadium, Clubhouse, Memorabilia -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157607136282297/  

2. Forest Hills Tennis Stadium: Gallery 1 featuring Joe Shlabotnik/Peter Dutton's photos -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/galleries/72157624960334088  

3. Forest Hills Tennis Stadium: Gallery 2 featuring Joe Shlabotnik/Peter Dutton's photos -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/galleries/72157624960580042/

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