Neighbors unite to save a restaurant and historic building in Queens

REGO PARK, Queens – The history of the triangle-shaped lot along Queens Boulevard began 80 years ago. Over the years, a movie theater became a synagogue and a restaurant became a bank and then a local restaurant.

A clock tower on the corner has become a beacon for Rego Park. Some neighbors don’t want it to go away.

The owner and developer of the land have submitted plans to demolish the building and are asking the city to relocate it. The new plans include a 15-story residential complex with commercial space on the ground floor.

The building is not signposted. The proposal requires city approval.

This month a public hearing was held with Community Board 6. That is the first step in the process.

The recommendation will be reviewed by the Queens Borough President, then the City Planning Commission, and finally the City Council will make the decision.

Michael Perlman is president of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council. He lives nearby and has been a favorite place for his family, friends, and community.

“This means something to a lot of people. That our developers and politicians ignore us is unfair and a sham, “he said.

Some of the companies have found new homes. The restaurant owners have another restaurant on the boulevard.

Perlman says the fight for the building and the clock tower continues. A petition created by the preservation council currently has about 4,000 signatures.

A representative of the landowner and developer had no further comment.

The company’s website says the new structure could be open by 2024. The review process typically takes six months or more.