One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?

I've been feeling a little frustrated in recent weeks about what is going on with our local food and retail situation. And now comes news that Energy Green, the make-your-own-salad place in the Austin St. Mall has just closed. I haven't confirmed this myself yet because I've been out of town for the past several days. But if it's true, it's really extremely disappointing. Firstly, every salad I ever had from there was really, really good. And secondly, Energy Green represented to me an important trend toward healthier, more moden food offerings in Forest Hills. If it has indeed closed, we have taken a big step backwards and that is a huge shame.



At the same time, there was the mysterious closing of NY Falafel Bar a few weeks ago. I know some people on this blog have said they didn't like it, but having spent a year myself living in Israel I have to say that their chicken shawarma was one of the closest things I have tasted state-side to what I enjoyed in the Middle East.



And then there is the CVS drugstore reportedly coming into the space next to the Key Food on the northern side of Queens Blvd. I agree with others on this blog who have posted their disappointment about that. Is a CVS really the best we can do with that prime retail space? Sure, it could be worse. It will bring a lot of convenience to those who live on the northern side of Queens Blvd. But will it distinguish Forest Hills in any way from just about every other neighborhood in Queens? Nope. Will it make us a more desirable neighborhood to live in in New York City? Nope. Will it serve as a magnet to other attractive new stores and restaurants? Sadly, Nope.



Are national chains like Dunkin' Donuts and CVS really the best a vibrant New York City neighborhood like Forest Hills can do? Are we evolving into some neighborhood that could be easily plopped down into the middle of any midwestern American city where the highlight of a night out on the town is dinner at Applebee's?