Committees
The Forest Hills Gardens Corporation has a number of active committees, each of which help maintain the high standards and beauty of our community. Are you a resident who is interested in volunteering for a committee? Please fill out the volunteer application.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Architecture
The Architecture Committee serves as the primary steward of our community’s historic legacy and is committed to preserving the vision of our founding architect, Grosvenor Atterbury. Our members guide residents through the Dec. 3 Architectural Guideline review process, ensuring that every exterior change—from masonry to major renovations—harmonizes with the Gardens' unique character. We actively seek new members who wish to share in the rewarding responsibility of protecting the architectural integrity of Forest Hills Gardens. Committee participation includes regular meetings (monthly?) as well as field work with homeowners renovating their properties.
Communications
The Communications Committee develops and distributes informational materials to FHGC residents through various channels, including email blasts, newsletters, printed reports, and the website. The content covers corporation updates and topics of community interest. The Communications Committee will implement 2026 FHGC board goal to provide greater transparency into decisions that impact our community and we are open to any and all ideas to accomplish this goal. Committee members are responsible for conceptualizing and creating content across all channels, which involves writing, editing, formatting, and photography. We meet every 2-3 months.
Declaration #3
Since 1950, Declaration #3 has been renewed every 20 years as required in the document itself, the last time coming in 2008 for the 2010 renewal through 2030. With Dec #3 being the tool by which our architectural consistency is achieved, renewing it is critical.
We are 4 years out from that deadline now and are starting the process of renewing. Two-thirds of the residential land area must assent in order to extend Dec #3. We are forming a committee that will be gathering assents from homeowners over the next 2 to 3 years. We are looking for residents who would be willing to be part of an ongoing outreach to their neighbors following the protocols required.
Finance
The Finance Committee supports the Board by helping to oversee the Corporation’s financial health and promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability. The committee reviews budgets, financial statements, reserve planning, major expenditures, ideas for cost cutting or revenue generation, and provides non-binding recommendations to the Board. Financial or accounting experience is helpful but not required; attention to detail, sound judgment, and a willingness to participate are most important. The time commitment is modest, typically involving attendance at periodic meetings (monthly or quarterly) or doing prep work outside of the committee meeting, averaging a few hours per month, with slightly higher involvement during budget season.
Landscape and Trees
The Landscape & Tree Committee is responsible for overseeing both hardscape and landscape elements of the Gardens' common areas. The Tree subcommittee oversees tree planting and pruning, as well as the removal of unhealthy trees along the Gardens streets and parks. The Committee will also develop plans for our parks over time and will meet approximately 3 or 4 times annually.
Legal
The Legal Committee is comprised of volunteer lawyers in the community who provide guidance to the Corporation on a wide-range of legal issues as they arise. Legal topics include litigation consultation and advice, land-use, architectural regulations, corporate governance and Dec. 3. The Committee’s role is to provide guidance and assistance to the Board, as needed. Meetings are approximately monthly. Committee membership should ideally consist of experienced lawyers with different areas of expertise. Membership is an ideal way to learn about and help with the many unique legal issues that confront the Corporation, and to become familiar with its governance.
Membership
Welcoming and orienting our new members is the mission of the Membership Committee. Every new property owner comes in with expectations of what living in the Gardens will be like. Those of us who have lived here for a long time also came in with the same expectations, most of them realized, along with a few surprises if we did not read the architectural guidelines or Dec #3. It is a great privilege to live in a place that looks the same as it did 100 years ago, and the committee hopes to share with you the reasons why the Gardens is so special and how we can all work together to keep our community. There will be a meet a greet for new property owners in the coming months. For all new members, “Welcome to Forest Hills Gardens—our little oasis in NYC!” Becoming a member – Need a smile and willingness to help plan a gathering for new members along with one social event (last year’s was a music event)
Parking
The Parking Committee maintains our private streets for the exclusive use of homeowners, residents, and their guests. Given our community’s central location and proximity to mass transportation, we actively work to prevent unauthorized parking by non-residents or commuters attempting to avoid municipal meters. Through collaboration with the FHGC office and our booting agent, Knights, we enforce rules strictly to preserve the private status of our streets. The committee also serves as the adjudication center for any appeals or disputes regarding booting or parking concerns. We meet on a regular basis to review pending appeals and enforcement matters.
Security
The Security Committee is responsible for ensuring that Forest Hills Gardens’ security measures are up-to-date and effective. The Committee meets on an as-needed basis to discuss local security incidents and trends, new ideas related to security and surveillance, as well as how we can work together with the 112th Precinct and Excel Security Corporation to keep our neighborhood safe.
Traffic
The Traffic Committee was instituted to make passage around our community user-friendly. We continue to look at our thoroughfares and crossings to ensure that people can get from one place to another with ease. This year we will be establishing a new traffic committee of seasoned and new members to review suggestions for the organization. We try to look at the Gardens in a holistic manner, and as a result, the corporation may/may not choose to act on every suggestion. Look for more information this coming spring.
Upkeep
The Upkeep Committee is focused on a wide range of important neighborhood maintenance responsibilities including sewers, paving (streets/sidewalks) snow removal, equipment inventory, LIRR and other outside construction projects that effect our property. The Committee meets at least monthly to make sure our current staff/crew have the tools and personnel to properly maintain our grounds. The committee is a resource for our crew and crew manager to rely on when issues arise. Members of the Landscape and Tree Committee should expect to be available year-round.