Comments from NativeForestHiller

Showing 276 - 300 of 715 comments

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:54 am

Thank you very much, John! If the UA Brandon Cinemas/Continental Theatre shutters shortly (which I hope it does not), it will likely boost business for the Cinemart. There will be less competition.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Oct 10, 2008 at 3:01 pm

If you can circulate the petition link to your neighbors, family, & friends, and encourage signers to post comments, that would be very helpful. Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Oct 10, 2008 at 11:17 am

Thank you too!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:09 pm

Saving a theater is indeed more difficult than saving a freestanding historic diner, but not impossible. I am still working on finding a new tenant or owner, as well as acquiring landmark status for the facade and lobby. I’ll never abandon my efforts or my sense of hope. Thank you for your positive feedback! “Movie Man” also has a nice ring to it. ;–)

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Sep 29, 2008 at 7:36 pm

John, it’s better having over 200 signatures with quality comments from citizens who care, than signers who sign it for the sake of it, and don’t post any wothwhile comments. Quality supercedes quantity. If you care very much about seeing additional signatures, then please consider circulating the petition link to your colleagues. Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:58 am

Beaux Art continued through the 1920s in many parts of our city. The theater lobby has some Art Deco touches. Please explain what “hungeleiter” means.

Thank you for your e-mail! I will get back to you shortly.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:41 am

I would refer to the theater’s style as Beaux Art, although can comprise of quite a few. I will let you know if I can come up with something more specific.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Old Martin Theater demolished on Sep 23, 2008 at 11:09 pm

Generally speaking, when the citizens elect officials who aren’t in cohoots with developers or other greedy politicians. Check a politician’s campaign contributions, and see who they’re most heavily funded by. That should talk.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Sep 7, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Hi Vincent! Are you interested in leasing or purchasing the Ridgewood Theatre, or know of anyone who is?

The area is up & coming, and a restored & renovated theater is a very promising opportunity to increase property values and the overall appeal of the entire neighborhood. The neighborhood has gradually improved in recent years.

I inserted 55-27 Myrtle Ave on the Dept of City Planning’s Census 2000 website, and the following are the most up to date demographic, socioeconomic, education, labor, housing characteristics, etc:

View link

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Theaters wanted on Sep 3, 2008 at 8:13 pm

Cyndi, I sent you extensive helpful details via e-mail concerning the Ridgewood Theatre (also see my postings above), but haven’t heard from you. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Theaters wanted on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:59 am

Hi! I e-mailed you, but want to make sure you received it. I am a historic preservationist who is spearheading an effort to save the 1916 Ridgewood Theatre in NY by America’s foremost Thomas Lamb. It is a represenation of the long-demolished first American movie palace, Times Square’s Strand Theatre. Until the Ridgewood Theatre’s closing in March, it was the longest continuously operating theater in NY, and potentially countrywide. It is for lease or for sale, according to latest accounts. Please let me know if the following would be of interest to you, or if a colleague of yours may be interested: www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre & View link You can reach me at Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Looking for NE theater on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:56 am

I am a historic preservationist who is spearheading an effort to save the 1916 Ridgewood Theatre in NY by America’s foremost Thomas Lamb. It is a represenation of the long-demolished first American movie palace, Times Square’s Strand Theatre. Until the Ridgewood Theatre’s closing in March, it was the longest continuously operating theater in NY, and potentially countrywide. Please let me know if the following would be of interest to you, or if a colleague of yours may be interested: www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre & View link You can reach me at Thanks!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:20 pm

Okay, thank you, Peter!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:51 am

It would be a matter of presenting a Ridgewood Theatre petition for people to sign. It would be best if it’s in the neighborhood. I do not think it should be done in front of the theater. If you know of some people who may be interested, please let me know.

On another note, in regard to the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill, I am aware that the theater’s name was removed from the marquee. Hmm…

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:38 am

It’s an interesting assessment on the Daily News listings and “keeping hope alive,” but I am hoping to hear your progress reports on circulating the appeal to prospective tenants & buyers, the Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre MySpace site, and the petition to the public. That would be most helpful.

Also, does anyone wish to volunteer by standing within the vicinity of the Ridgewood Theatre (preferrably) & presenting a traditional offline petition to passersby? We need as many signatures as possible. The goal is over 1,000, and we have 186 online signatures as of this writing. If interested, please e-mail me at Remember, the future lies within your hands. Thanks! – Michael Perlman

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 24, 2008 at 9:43 pm

The above article is dated May 28, 2008. The $14 million figure was reduced in June to $11.75 million, and it recently dropped to $9.5 million. Keep in mind that owner Tony Montalbano’s first preference would be leasing the property, considering his investment in March 2008. For up to date information, please follow & join Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre: www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre

In addition, please lend your support by signing a petition to preserve this gem, which will increase the likelihood of creative adaptive reuse, which will ultimately raise property values in the neighborhood: View link Please post a comment, and tell your neighbors, family, & friends to contribute to a truly worthwhile cause. It only requires minutes. Thank you in advance!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Paramount Theatre on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:03 am

Let’s remain hopeful this gem is not demolished. The name is even suggestive of its grand history.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Breaking news on the Boyd on Aug 9, 2008 at 8:08 pm

Phenomenal news on various fronts!!! I commend your ingenuity. Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theater on Aug 8, 2008 at 4:29 pm

P.S. I am a concerned NYC resident, and it’s alarming how many historic theaters have been lost. They merit adaptive reuse and restoration, and the Landmarks Commission should launch the initial steps in landmarking the site, and seeing who they know. That is what City council should do in WI.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theater on Aug 8, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Can you generate some press, and find out how much it’s being sold for, or how much the owner desires? You can help him broker a deal. I am not from WI. It would be much more powerful from a WI resident.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theater on Aug 8, 2008 at 3:51 pm

There has to be at least one party that wants it. It’s only a matter of the correct person seeing it.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theater on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:42 am

Thank you for your explanation! Then City Council should work with the owner and urge him to sell it to another party that can pay the taxes, and one who can clean it up on a timely basis. Life is all about chances. Even though the theater is not be safe, City Council should have a greater vision, and work with their constituency. That’s the ideal of democracy.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theatre owners vow to fight demolition. on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:22 am

I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Roosevelt Theater on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:21 am

I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Petition to save the historic Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 4, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Thank you! This is an international petition, so please spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. I am hoping for the thousands. Let’s show the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission the extent of support this rare-surviving gem has:

View link

YOU can make a difference!