Top 3 Reasons Barbara Corcoran Needs to Visit Queens

Haven't you ever crossed the East River? You're a real estate Queen. It seems only natural that you would visit Queens,but your column in the Daily News made it very clear that you're as clueless as the last time we had to talk ('Oh, I'm in Astoria': Queens Real Estate Exalted). Here's why:

1. You Advise Paving Over Gardens
"A flower garden might look pretty and keep your wife happy, but the space in front of your house is worth a hell of a lot more as a driveway."

A cement front lawn? It might sound like a good theory sitting in a Manhattan tower far above the maddening fray, but come out for a visit and we'll show you. It stinks. Paving a front lawn detracts from a neighborhood's look, and contributes to flooding problems, which ultimately degrades neighborhood value.

2. You Think Queens Is Its Own City
"You should know that the city council of Queens has just proposed a zoning change that would prohibit residents from paving their yards in some areas."

Well, Queens would be the fourth largest city in the U.S. if it were an independent municipality, but it ain't happening. Queens, Barbara, has been part of NYC for over a century. It's the largest borough in size, and might soon be the largest in population.

3. You Think Elmhurst Is Trendy
"We'd love to find a trendy spot with good restaurants and something of a nightlife. What's the best way to discover the area?..." Your advice: a NoshWalk tour of Elmhurst.

Ha! That's hysterical! Elmhurst is great for Thai and Malaysian food, but there's nothing trendy about it, unless you're talking a trend in illegal subdivisions. Oh, wait! Eddie Murphy found his Queen working in an Elmhurst McDowell's! Is that what you mean? (For trendy in Queens, try Astoria or LIC's Vernon Boulevard.)

Until we talk again,
Your Guide to Queens, NY
John Roleke

Photo (c) J. Roleke - Wendy's in Elmhurst that was the set for McDowell's in Coming to America.