Jackson Heights Life

The sad thing about that statement, Daisy, is that Jackson Heights was founded as the first garden community in the United States. Now, it's been so urbanized that it's all concrete and no more green. Shame on us! I agree, we need to do something about it.

Yeah, frankly, I'm a bit surprised at the sheer lack of greenspace here.  It's so beautiful here too, with the landscaped buildings and really cool architecture.  Coop owners at least have their gardens to sit out in, but the rest of us are surrounded by concrete.  It royally sucks.

we actually do have as much green space as ever. but it's private. mostly, it always has been. gosh, i'd love a little vest pocket park closer than the landing lights.......

Yeah, I get you.  I think the fact that's it's all private is exactly what's so frustrating about it.  I walk by these beautiful gated gardens all the time - in fact my rental apartment overlooks one - and it drives me crazy that I have no access to any of them.  What I would do for a public park around here that isn't barren concrete. 

any update?  did it get any better?

i am sorry to hear that.  people in this forum also seems to have no interest in pedestrian plaza any more, either.
i guess everyone knows why that street is so filthy but can't point the reason out for the solution because someone would say it is politically incorrect..

Good luck with that! LOL

not sure if you are being sarcastic or not.  but anyone who is fortunate to get out of the country and experience different part of world or different culture would understand what i am talking about.  if you don't get it, i am sorry but you are being very naive..

We need to replace the Kebab King with an Outback Steakhouse this instant!

frmo today's Daily News

Jackson Heights pedestrian plaza has South Asian merchants in uproar 
Business owners to rally for its removal, claiming plaza hurting sales
BY CLARE TRAPASSO / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

South Asian merchants in Jackson Heights are riled up over an award-winning pedestrian plaza that they claim is undermining their struggling businesses.
They plan to rally on Sunday for the removal of the square on 37th Rd., between 73rd and 74th Sts., in the heart of Queens’ once-bustling Little India. The area is famous for its South Asian grocery, jewelry and clothing shops.
“Customers come from tri-state [area\]... to Jackson Heights to shop,” said rally organizer Rashid Mohammad. But “the traffic has been made so complicated and so many traffic tickets have been issued that people do not like to come [anymore\].”
The plaza was created last fall following a three-year Jackson Heights transportation study conducted by the city. The project received strong support from the community, prominent local organizations and was backed by City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).
The pedestrian space was also voted best new plaza in the city by the website StreetsBlog.org.
But Razi Ahmed, who plans to open a South Asian supermarket and food court in the former Eagle Theater, said local merchants were unaware of the plan.
“I’m really scared now,” said Ahmed, who plans to open the grocery within two months. “All the businesses are dying.”
“It used to be hustle and bustle,” he said. “Now it’s nothing.”
Shiv Dass, president of the Jackson Heights Indian Merchants Association, said the pedestrian zone led to the loss of about 20 parking spaces — another headache for out-of-state drivers coming into a neighborhood known for its lack of spots.
Dass voted in favor of creating the plaza at a Community Board 3 meeting last year but has since changed his mind.
“The place looks like a graveyard. There’s nobody sitting there,” he said. “Garbage is piling up. ... The homeless people are there.”
Dromm disputed those claims and said the plaza’s been tidy — and popular — in the community.
“It’s an area in Jackson Heights that’s desperate for open space,” said Dromm, who met with South Asian business leaders before the plaza was erected. “People really like having it there.”
He added that the city deemed the corner of 37th Rd. and 73rd St., now part of the plaza, the area’s most dangerous intersection.
“I’m asking these merchants to give it a chance,” he said. “This can work for everybody involved.”