02/13/13 3:45pm

Rockaway firehouse a landmark

We learned that last night the Landmarks Preservation Commission scheduled a vote on city landmark designation for five firehouses throughout the city. One is Engine Co. 268/Hook and Ladder 137 on Beach 116th St in the Rockaways. It survived Hurricane Sandy. LPC Chairman Robert Tierney said about the firehouses, “Each of these buildings is a clear expression of civic spirit and pride of purpose that existed at the time they were built and continue to this day in our city’s municipal architecture. The FDNY has done an exemplary job of protecting these structures that have a vital role in protecting New Yorkers, and we’re grateful for its support of the proposals to landmark them.”

Congratulations, firehouses, you’re now landmarks!

Blast from the past – Broad Channel in 1903

The Rockaway Emergency Plan Facebook page posted this great image of Broad Channel on the front of the NY Tribune in 1903. Click to enlarge. The rowboat feels very Dawson’s Creek.

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Image source: Rockaway Emergency Plan Facebook page

Valentine’s Day deals in Sunnyside

Our friends at Sunnyside Shines alerted us to all sorts of Valentine’s Day deals – drink specials, prix fixes, and sales, all in Sunnyside. Check it out! And remember, if you’re looking to celebrate in an unconventional way, check out our list of alternative Valentine’s Day dates in Queens.

Innocents Abroad hit Corona at Tortilleria Nixtamal

Two young Manhattan-based women, Kate and Nora, travel around NYC (they’ve been globe trotters, too), learning about various cultures through its food, and recently landed in Corona, Queens, where they ate delicious noms at Tortilleria Nixtamal. They even learned how to make tamales from the folks at Nixtamal! Nice.

Maps, maps, maps galore

We love maps at QueensNYC and like to feature interesting ones from time to time. We did a roundup of maps we’ve shared over the past months, including those having to do with voting patterns, top dog names, dating issues, and transit outages, among others. And if there are maps you love that you think we should know about, email us.

02/13/13 11:00am

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Image source: NYDN – Engine Co. 268 in Rockaway Park

UPDATE: All firehouses are now city landmarks, as per the NY Times City Room.

The NY Daily News reports that Tuesday evening the Landmarks Preservation Commission scheduled a vote on city landmark designation for five firehouses throughout the city (two in the Bronx, two in Manhattan, one in Queens) and one of them is in the Rockaways. This 100-year-old building (above) is Engine Co. 268/Hook and Ladder 137 on Beach 116th St. It survived Hurricane Sandy.

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09/17/12 3:00pm

Whether you’re looking for your dream home or just want to go on a scenic stroll, here is our guide to what we think are the five most beautiful streets in the entire borough. They have five different looks and vibes, but all feature lush greenery, appealing architecture, and historic charm – and most of them have been granted landmark status, so they’re bound to stay pretty for decades to come.

1. Bow Street, Forest Hills (GMAP)

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Wandering around Forest Hills Gardens gives you that “it’s hard to believe I’m in NYC right now” feeling. The curved, privately owned streets, palatial homes, and features like the private tennis club seem odd, considering how close they are to Queens Boulevard and the subway. (more…)