You Told Us is a regular feature where we highlight comments from users in the communities DNAinfo covers.
QUEENS — The controversial plan to replace a large portion of Forest Hills' so called "Restaurant Row" with a new mixed-use development sparked an intense discussion among local residents, business owners and readers.
The proposed 12-story development, designed by Morali Architects, is being proposed for a 1-story complex at 107-18 70th Road, between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, which features several restaurants like The Grill and Moca Asian Cafe.
The developers can currently build up to roughly 80 feet there, but they are planning to apply for a special permit in order to build up to 120 feet tall.
The developers have not yet filed any paperwork with the Department of Buildings, but their representatives said last week that they expect to complete the development in about 3 years.
An online petition against the proposed development started by local residents last week had gathered more that 1,500 signatures as of Monday morning.
The majority of readers who weighed in on the issue seemed to condemn the plan. Many said they don’t want to lose the current restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines and outdoor seating in the summer.
► "The restaurants along restaurant row are great and make such an exciting and vibrant vibe for this part of FH. The only area in FH with outdoor dining ... We have plenty of co-ops and condos in FH. To build another one and displace this vibrant part of FH is shameful."
- Neighborhood Square user serothstein
Some also worried that the plan would increase congestion in the area and ruin its character.
► "I've signed the petition to block this ridiculous plan. Why would we want to abolish "restaurant row"? With the new Target, the traffic and congestion would be horrendous."
- Neighborhood Square user evelyn-schwertl
► "The attraction to Queens, to this area, is not the tall, sterile buildings of new condos and inorganic commercial buildings. It's the charming neighborhood restaurants and small non-franchise businesses."
- Neighborhood Square user anna-man
► "TERRIBLE idea!! What a disaster that would be. I make special trips to Forest Hills from Brooklyn, because I love to walk the Austin Street strip, and have meals on that block every time. I love it! It's beautiful, it's a much needed service to the community, it's keeping the neighborhood vital and thriving. How can you displace these businesses ... ?"
- Neighborhood Square user deirdre-louise-macnamara
► "Forget it. We do not need anymore residential buildings. Forest Hills is losing its aesthetic. Go somewhere else. Queens is already too crowded."
- Neighborhood Square user midtowngirl
► "Ridiculous!!!!!! These landlords and real-estate folk do not really care about what's best for the people or what we want but only about how much money they can make in return for selling out. When things are working to benefit the neighborhood and the people - as well as the owner's of the establishments - for once in your lives - stop allowing "greed" to guide you. In other words - allow Restaurant Row to remain as it stands."
- Neighborhood Square user Rubinsky
Several residents say they're concerned the infrastructure and sewer drainage in the busy area, which they say are already insufficient, would further deteriorate.
► "I worked on restaurant row for many years and what people don't know is how badly that whole block floods during rain storms. Now imagine putting the pressure of 50 + apartments there? No. Just no."
- Neighborhood Square user jackieharriss
► "Meant to say that a good book store would be wonderful. What we DO NOT NEED is more apartments. We do not have the infrastructure for the ones we already have. Not enough parking, inadequate sewer drainage, the list goes on and on. Why destroy the character of the neighborhood and add to our already existing problems?"
- Neighborhood Square user DRGKD14
But a handful of readers think that new developments are necessary and Forest Hills may actually be better prepared to accommodate new buildings than other neighborhoods.
► "This is one of the few places that has the infrastructure. It's a short distance to EFMR and LIRR not to mention buses and expressways. In terms of being crowded..um you are at the geographical center of America's largest city. The city is going to continue grow. ... More apartments are badly needed."
- Neighborhood Square user WoodsideYay
Some also said that "Restaurant Row," where two eateries closed within the past two years and another one was temporarily shut down last July by the Department of Health, has lost some of its appeal in recent years.
► "It was a destination dining spot in 1987. Today, it's a sad collection of empty spaces and strange (and unsanitary) eateries. Also, we need modern living space to attract younger crowds. Welcome to Forest Hills!"
- Neighborhood Square user Sakkie
► "As a long-time Forest Hills resident, "Restaurant Row " is not the same as it was 20 years ago. The same can be said of Austin Street. There are between 10-12 empty storefronts/restaurants on Austin Street. Where is the community board? What exactly are they doing about it? Answer nothing."
- Neighborhood Square user shsbklyn
