Open Letter: Moving Forest Hills Forward

Since the loss of the Woodland Hills Progress and the inception of Patch.com, residents have a place to turn to for all of their local information.  

We advertised a park clean-up on Patch this past spring, which attracted a variety of local residents from new families, to young children, to active residents, and even our state senator. We thank Patch for giving us a place to post that information.  

Recently, postings and commentary have given the perception of efforts, which appear to be less than positive. It is time to move forward. It is time for all of us to get on board with what is best for our community.

is the jewel of the eastern suburbs. It has affordable housing, a public elementary school as good as any in the state, a community pool, several parks, a strong public safety presence, and most importantly a large group of active volunteers committed to making the place that they live better for everyone.  

When I first moved to Forest Hills, it struck me how truly unique the borough is. This made the choice of restoring a 140-year-old, 900-square-foot house with no garage versus a move to the distant suburbs easy.

We have residents that have moved here from Greece, Serbia, Germany, Russia, and Italy. We have professors, lawyers, business owners, musicians, ballerinas, artists, retirees and young families. We have doctoral students returning in the summer to help younger children at the pool. We have those that have chosen to live in Forest Hills, passing overlucrative career opportunities, because they know that the place you choose to call home speaks volumes to who you are as a person.

All of us in Forest Hills have something to offer. It may be serving on council and it may be driving the Flivver. It may range from organizing a large holiday event to having a new neighbor over for coffee. It could mean organizing a large evergreen planting in our main park or simply placing some flowers outside your door, or taking the time to pick up litter when you walk your dog.

A positive sense of community begins by respecting the opinions and efforts of everyone and working to move the place we call home forward. Working in public efforts or with private groups, everyone can contribute to the greater good.  

So, when you visit Patch.com, when you enjoy all that our community has to offer, when you volunteer, or when you engage in the political process, I hope that you decide that you are on board as well.

Sincerely,
Steve Karas
Forest Hills Council