Founded in 1992 for the preservation, improvement and beautification of Station Square, Forest Hills and its surrounds.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF STATION SQUARE
Friends of Station Square is a tax exempt, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992. Our mission is to support the preservation, improvement and beautification of Station Square and its surrounds. Friends of Station Square strives to encourage community spirit and support to reach its goals.
Known informally as FOSS, the organization raises its entire operating budget through generous donations from residents of Forest Hills Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods. Several local businesses consistently provide financial contributions as well. The bulk of the FOSS budget goes towards landscape maintenance and watering the plant material, a task it carries out through a permanent agreement with the LIRR.
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Friends of Station Square is not affiliated with the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation.
BEGINNINGS
In the late 1980s a group of local residents became alarmed by the obvious and severe signs of deterioration in and around the LIRR station. Working with Community Board 6, the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, and local legislators, they campaigned to generate support for the station restoration.
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The MTA committed $8 million to the project and the LIRR did the planning and design work. Throughout the two-year reconstruction, Friends of Station Square met with all groups involved to assure a sensitive and accurate renovation.
The next phase involved raising funds to restore the landscape surrounding the station to its original beauty. The Millennium Landscape Appeal garnered more than $100,000 to renew the station plantings.
HIGHLIGHTS
Over the years, FOSS has worked on a variety of other projects that enhance the beauty of Station Square and quality of life for those who pass through the area.
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PIGEON MITIGATION Following concern over the perennial pigeon infestation under the LIRR trestle over Continental Avenue, FOSS hired BirdMaster Bird Control, which has solved bird infestation problems on many historic buildings. Netting was installed with State funding secured by former Assemblyman Michael Cohen in 2005, with repairs funded by FOSS when trucks damaged the netting. The LIRR has since taken over responsibility for maintaining the netting.
IN 2011, FOSS UNDERTOOK THE RESTORATION
OF THE ATTERBURY DESIGNED DUCK LANTERN
which is located at the NE corner of Station Square above the Christian Science Readying Room. The restoration took five months to complete and cost $20,000. This project was made possible by a major gift from Cord Meyer Corporation plus individual donations to FOSS. The restoration was performed by Aurora Lighting in Brooklyn and the removal and mounting was done by Boccia Masonry. It was hoped that this would encourage repair of the remaining four lanterns, which continue to deteriorate.
Duck Lantern at NE corner of Station Square restored by FoSS October, 2011
Duck lantern ca. 1979.
Lantern being taken down for restoration July 2011
Lantern down for restoration.
Restored lantern being lifted into position