Comments from NativeForestHiller

Showing 301 - 325 of 715 comments

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:13 pm

Peter, I recommend encouraging as many neighbors and friends to sign and post a comment. It counts equally as a letter to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Thanks!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:12 pm

Thank you very much for your great tips and for signing the online petition. Let’s keep the signatures coming! This is an international petition:

View link

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 1, 2008 at 1:54 pm

Also, thank you very much “Lost Memory!”

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Aug 1, 2008 at 1:53 pm

Hi Peter! Thank you for your kind words in regard to my efforts.

To Cinema Treasures fans:

This is a convenient link for those who wish to sign an online petition to landmark the facade and theater lobby. Please post a comment as well.

View link

Your help is invaluable. Thank you!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Wanted: Theater for lease with option to buy on Jul 28, 2008 at 11:11 pm

Jimmie, e-mail me at & I will put you in touch with the real estate agent for the Ridgewood Theatre.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about NYC Demolition Review support on Jul 15, 2008 at 2:21 pm

This could be one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the past decade, to protect our remaining theaters that are not landmarked, as well as our remaining historic infrastructure that’s endangered. It only takes a few moments to follow the directions above, so I strongly advise everyone to proceed, as well as spread the word to your family, friends, & colleagues in a mass e-mail. Thank you!

  • Michael Perlman
    Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Metro Theatre status on Jul 13, 2008 at 6:37 pm

If a party is really dedicated to the cause, they can rebuild what was lost. Nothing is impossible.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Theater wanted on Jun 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm

The Ridgewood Theatre at 55-27 Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY (Brooklyn border) is up for SALE or LEASE. My name is Michael Perlman, and I am founder of Friends of Ridgewood Theatre, and I serve on the board of directors of the Queens Preservation Council. Please consider this endangered gem by Thomas Lamb, dating back to 1916. It is located in an up & coming neighborhood with a charming small town feel. It is a representation of the long-demolished Mark Strand Theatre, which was the 1st movie palace in the world. When it shuttered in March, it held the record as the longest continuously operated first-run theater in NY & potentially throughout the U.S. Please contact me at and follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for history, photos, status, & more! Thank you for your consideration!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Madison Theatre on Jun 18, 2008 at 12:35 am

Thanks for sharing your experience! I am looking forward to seeing your photos. As I always say, there’s hope for a better tomorrow!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Regal UA Midway on Jun 15, 2008 at 1:56 am

To iRoNmonkey: You last posted on May 28th & said you would write me from your work e-mail. If you had written, I haven’t received it. If you are busy right now, that’s okay as well. Please let me know. My e-mail is

Thank you!

  • Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Jun 13, 2008 at 1:00 pm

I believe it’s a misprint. The asking price is $14 million, but owner Tony Montalbano prefers the option of leasing & keeping the theater in his possession. A decision is expected in a few weeks after receiving “overwhelming” interest, according to Massey Knakal Realty, and some contacts on my end. Please continue to follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for updates & how you can help.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Wanted: Theater for lease with option to buy on Jun 11, 2008 at 3:39 am

Jimmie, please check your e-mail once again.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Keith's Theatre on Jun 7, 2008 at 2:22 pm

I second your comments a million times over. It’s nothing more than an anti-green faux recycled press release.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Keith's Theatre on Jun 7, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Now that I think of it, that is not an official press release. Massey Knakal is not registered with the NYC government.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Keith's Theatre on Jun 7, 2008 at 1:57 pm

If a developer or entrpreneur purchases it who is both respectful and original, the “official” press release is meaningless. I pray that it goes under. Power to the people, and not the disrespectful politicians who “pretend to love our landmarks.”

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about RKO Keith's Theatre on Jun 6, 2008 at 10:34 pm

The RKO Keith’s Theatre does not & should not be developed according to Boymelgreen’s ill-fated plans. Respect the history of the theater, restore and rebuild it, and build above if really necessary. C'mon potential theater owners and developers, and be original, but respect the site’s irreplaceable integrity. This is your once-in-a-lifetime shot.

We’re still taking signatures, so please sign our petition and leave a comment:

View link

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Wanted: Theater for lease with option to buy on May 31, 2008 at 2:57 am

Hi Jimmie! I replied to your e-mail through my account about an hour ago. It is possible that my prior e-mails ended up in spam, so please check your folder since that might be the case. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre in danger on May 31, 2008 at 2:54 am

Thank you for informing me! I recently learned about the GAMT book project & THS' involvement. I promise to work diligently have my candidates in prior to the deadline.

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Wanted: Theater for lease with option to buy on May 29, 2008 at 7:36 pm

Thank you, LongIslandmovies. I will get right to it!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Wanted: Theater for lease with option to buy on May 29, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Hi Jimmie, I have a theater in mind, and e-mailed your AOL account twice over the last 2 months, but haven’t heard back. Can you please e-mail me at so we can work together? – Michael

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Regal UA Midway on May 28, 2008 at 12:07 pm

Thank you for your posting! I look forward to hearing from you through your work e-mail, and hopefully we can devise a solution. – Michael

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Ridgewood Theatre on May 22, 2008 at 5:44 am

To all Ridgewood Theatre fans:

I constructed a MySpace page, and encourage everyone to view & consider becoming a “Friend of the Ridgewood Theatre.” Also, please help spread the word. Your help is integral:

http://www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre

Any questions, e-mail me at

  • Michael Perlman
NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Regal UA Midway on May 17, 2008 at 2:20 am

To Ironmonkey: My name is Michael Perlman, and I Chair a group called Rego-Forest Preservation Council, promoting the preservation, restoration, & adaptive reuse of historic sites throughout Rego Park and Forest Hills. Thank you for your report! It is very commendable that the landlord & Regal are restoring the Art Moderne facade. I have passed the theater on several instances over the course of the last 2 months, and have admired the progress.

Do you realize that this Art Moderne gem was the last theater ever designed by America’s foremost Thomas W. Lamb? It was unfortunate he passed away before seeing the Midway completely built & in operation. I began conducting preliminary research on the Midway Theatre, and I am now seeking historic photos. I would be happy to share material on the theater with you or a colleague at the Midway, as well as any advice which may assist in the facade restoration, or any future aspects. I can be reached at I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for keeping theater enthusiasts informed!

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Lido Theatre on May 15, 2008 at 10:43 pm

Grandcameo, please e-mail me at I am interested in learning more about your non-profit & website which lists theaters for sale. Please read the following on the Ridgewood Theatre, which I am hoping to preserve, adaptively reuse, & help reopen: http://cinematreasures.org/news/19023_0_1_0_C/

NativeForestHiller
NativeForestHiller commented about Interested in theater for lease with option to buy on May 14, 2008 at 1:30 am

Updating my 3/20 posting, please read my public appeal for the historic Ridgewood Theatre by Thomas Lamb, where I am seeking an art-related tenant. This was composed voluntarily, as a director on the board of Queens Preservation Council:

http://cinematreasures.org/news/19023_0_1_0_C/