Woodhaven Lanes Goes in the Gutter After 49 Years

Photo courtesy jenie212.

Woodhaven Lanes, the classic Forest Hills bowling alley, will close in less than two weeks, NY1 has learned. But this latest loss of a beloved NYC institution wasn’t due to the obscene rents that are sucking all the character out of our city, but rather a multiplying swarm of radioactive scorpions that have nested in the lanes’ shoes and balls. Kidding, of course it’s the obscene rent. Owner Jim Santora tells NY1 the lanes will probably be divvied up into some sweet retail outlets:

We have a lot of places to shop, but we don't have places to entertain ourselves, have a good time, and to meet with family. That's what bowlers are, family. I had 80-year-old women and men crying on my shoulders when they found out about this, and I had 2 and 3-year-old children crying as well.

Most devastated are the league bowlers for whom Woodhaven is a home away from home. Bowler Linda Raia lamented, "It's like the almighty dollar wins again. What about having a heart?" These real estate management companies are nihilists, Raia; they believe in nothing.

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By John Del Signore in News on May 8, 2008 4:27 PM

Comments [rss]

quinticire

People who bowl on a Friday or Saturday nights are either teen-agers, people who have passed the club or pub stage, or not into them, so it's basically those who are NOT in the 18-35 y.o. Where would these people go for their social gathering on the said nights? Can't stay home all the time and watch dvd's or play video games. People need a social outlet.

Elderta

Bowling alley into shopping mall is progress? Hmm.

Anyhoo, I go bowling once every five years, had a great time recently at Melody Lanes. Brooklyn.

Lord Stompo

Maric Lanes, in upper Astoria, is still around. I would cry bitter tears indeed if they were ever to close.

janelle

woodhaven is a great alley, this is sad news.

@kevin whitestone is open last i knew, and it's 24 hours.

John Del Signore

Look at the bottom line: Look who's got a million dollars sitting in the trunk of their car!

clintschaff

Travesty!

Kevin Walsh

Van Wyck Lanes on Jamaica Avenue closed abruptly as well--are there any bowling alleys left in Queens?

www.forgotten-ny.com, who could never master the hook

Nick S

this post AND the lebowski comments both get an A+ from me.

and #8 gets an A++++++

sonyactivision

This has to mean Wal-Mart wants back in. Wait until they level the site, then roll in the dioxin barrels.

Maybrick2001

jaja007...Progress is not shutting down everything by raising rents to unbelievable levels to make a buck so that we can have another Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. If that is what you feel progress is then you are truly an idiot.

blablanyc

Progress is whenever we elect officials that will run this city to benefit New Yorkers.

TimSPC

[7] is right.

Your revolution is over.. Condolences. The bums lost. My advice is to do what your parents did; get a job, sir. The bums will always lose.

jaja007

I hate it when people whine about progress.

amsci

Yeah, I thought it closed a while ago too. I'm not a fan of bowling, but I do like greasy bowling alley food.

JMH

Bowling sucks.

jibbly

Walter: These men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Nihilist: Ve don't care, ve still vant ze money...

Ah The Big Lebowski explains everything.

yakatori

when will it end?

TimSPC

Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes, well, he eats you.

JenChungsBaby

I've passed there a million times and I thought it already was closed. Looks like it from the outside. That whole little area is turning into retail heaven, with a Trader Joes, Staples, Sports Authority and Home Depot.