Mar. 6, 2024 By Czarinna Andres
A coalition of nonprofit organizations, local officials and business owners announced on Tuesday their plan to launch a series of monthly community cleanups along Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.
This initiative, which is set to run from March through at least the end of June, aims to bring together the community in a collective effort to enhance the neighborhood’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal.
The collaborative effort includes Metro Village of Forest Hills, Queens Community Board 6, Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, Council Member Lynn Schulman, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., the Forest Hills Green Team and the Forest Hills Stadium. The group cleanups build on the momentum of various individual efforts by these organizations throughout 2023.
The inaugural cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 9, at 10 a.m., with volunteers gathering outside Aigner Chocolates at 103-02 Metropolitan Ave.
Rachel Kellner, founder of Metro Village of Forest Hills, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the community’s commitment to beautification and engagement. “We are hopeful that community members of all ages will get involved,” Kellner said, highlighting the desire to showcase the beauty of Metropolitan Avenue.
Heather Beers-Dimitriadis, Chair of Queens Community Board 6, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of maintaining neighborhood cleanliness. Hevesi pointed out the initiative provides an opportunity for community engagement as well as beautification.
Schulman and Addabbo both voiced their support for the initiative, looking forward to working alongside government colleagues and community members to ensure Metropolitan Avenue remains an attractive destination.
Dan Miner, co-chair of the Forest Hills Green Team, and Mike Luba, President of Forest Hills Stadium, also expressed their pride and commitment to the cleanup efforts, emphasizing the positive impact such initiatives have on the community and the local environment.
Individuals interested in participating or seeking more information can reach out via email to metrovillagefh@gmail.com or contact the district offices of state Sen. Addabbo, Assemblymember Hevesi or Council Member Schulman.
