Post by: Hogsharley on May 18, 2008, 11:55:42 AM
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/05/06/2008-05-06_boro_bowlers_out_in_gutter.html
Goodbye after a good 49 year run. Another NYC house bites the dust.
NYC which was once the mecca of bowling now has fewer houses than much smaller cities. I count 14 total houses left in the 5 boroughs. Bad numbers for a city that has over 8 million people living in it.quote:
Some 82 bowling alleys across the country - including 14 in New York - closed between July 2006 and July 2007, according to the U.S. Bowling Congress, the sport's national governing body.
That's a scary statistic^^^
Just another black eye for the sport.--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: tenpin477 on May 18, 2008, 08:01:15 PM
Post by: NY Mike on May 19, 2008, 07:50:15 AM
Rumored to be closing come August is JIB Lanes.... the countdown
continues..........
Post by: BowlerKidR on May 19, 2008, 08:11:20 AM
quote:
Crwoned Prince, you mentioned MARK LANES ? Where is that located.
Rumored to be closing come August is JIB Lanes.... the countdown
continues..........
Ive heard so many rumors recently, i was under the impression that JIB closed two months ago. Yesterday i find out that theres a slight revival of JIB lanes and that they are trying to have Synthetic lanes installed. Then again this too is a rumor so who knows what to believe.
--------------------
"Strike for show, spare for dough"
Im A Hammer Head 100%
http://ryman624.googlepages.com
Post by: SUNDEVIL23 on May 19, 2008, 08:23:26 AM
Post by: justdale on May 19, 2008, 08:25:30 AM
--------------------
Dale Williams
Columbia 300 Utah Amateur Staff
Post by: EL on May 19, 2008, 08:33:54 AM
I believe the alley at Union Square in Manhattan is called Bowlmor. It's on multiple levels. Not a great house but good for hanging out on weekends.
Post by: Scolai on May 19, 2008, 08:55:28 AM
Sad to see yet another center close.
--------------------
ScolaÃ
I'm Not Fluent In Idiot So Please Speak Slowly & Clearly
Post by: Hogsharley on May 19, 2008, 09:59:34 AM
quote:
This kind of stuff happens to independents all the time. It is an unfortunate effect of living in a corporate world. Corporate entities like AMF and Brunswick are able to prop up their weak centers with their high-volume centers. An independently-owned center does not have that luxury.
Sad to see yet another center close.
--------------------
ScolaÃ)O(
I'm Not Fluent In Idiot So Please Speak Slowly & Clearly
Woodhaven was a Brunswick house since 1966.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: NY Mike on May 19, 2008, 10:26:21 AM
Brunswick was disappointed an agreement couldn't be made with an interested party to keep location a bowling center. They had an agreement in place with
someone who wanted the property to remain a bowling center in which the lanes would stay in place and when upgrades were to be made the party would purchase all of the machines from Brunswick.
With Woodhaven closing, Brunswick has to dismantle the machines/lanes and transport to a storage facility ??? A costly expense to Brunswick, I am sure. In any case the property has to be vacated. I am told this is happening, as we speak.
Any interest in the machines and such, I am sure you could send inquiries to Brunswick Corp. offices in Illinois.
Post by: pop_1 on May 19, 2008, 11:07:05 AM
Post by: NY Mike on May 19, 2008, 12:28:20 PM
Post by: FBM357 on May 19, 2008, 12:44:55 PM
Post by: Hogsharley on May 19, 2008, 12:58:31 PM
quote:
Whitestone on its way out ... rumored, but the way things are going, I wouldn't be suprised.
I heard that Whitestone is safe. Some BR member her said that they spoke with Tom Delutz Jr. and Tom said that Whitestone is NOT going under.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: NY Mike on May 19, 2008, 01:07:51 PM
is scheduled to bowl @ Whitestone on Wed @ 7:45. Whitestone, AMF 34th Avenue and Cozy Bowl are all benefitting from the closing of Woodhaven and Van Wyck Lanes. Supply and demand are definitely going to drive up lineage costs, causing leagues to charge more to maintain current prize fund amounts.
Post by: FBM357 on May 19, 2008, 01:12:58 PM
Post by: EL on May 19, 2008, 03:18:34 PM
Yes I hear many leagues will be going to either Cozy Lanes (mostly from Van Wyck), Whitestone and 34th Ave (from Woodhaven). Like people has stated here, land in the NYC area is in demand. Property owners know they can sell the alleys and get more in return.
Post by: NY Mike on May 19, 2008, 03:23:41 PM
On 47th Avenue between 36 & 37 Streets, Aviation High School was across from side entrance. Queens Vocational H.S. across the street between 37 & 38 Streets.
Post by: EL on May 19, 2008, 03:30:26 PM
Post by: tenpin477 on May 19, 2008, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: NY Mike on May 20, 2008, 10:40:09 AM
Post by: tenpin477 on May 20, 2008, 01:45:26 PM
Post by: NY Mike on May 20, 2008, 03:08:30 PM
Post by: tenpin477 on May 20, 2008, 09:57:19 PM
Post by: GetYaWeigtUp on May 20, 2008, 10:20:42 PM
--------------------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zAQSNIrgyM - Old and outdated!
Current Arsenal
* Rotogrip Cell - Heavy
* Ebonite Complete NV - Heavy
* Ebonite Total NV - Heavy
* Track Power Machine - Medium (300 Ball)
* Ebonite Bash - Light
* Brunswick Total Inferno - Retired
* Track Freak - Retired
* Ebonite The One - Retired
Curent Average
* Monday - 190
*Started bowling in January 2006
Achievements
*High Game - 300(1) (September 10,2007)
*High Series - 678 (September 10, 2007
Post by: Hogsharley on May 20, 2008, 10:23:09 PM
quote:
where in the hell was Van Wyck? i spent a lot of time in that neighborhood when i was in HS, had a girlfriend in Baysidequote:
I dunno, well see what happens, but I will be looking for a house to bowl next year. It sucks because Van Wyck is *ahem* was like around the corner.
--------------------
Formerly HammerBowler
One half of the Tag-Team Internet Ownage Champions
¡Viva la Nación de Brunswick!
BR.com search hack: http://www.bowling-info.com/Search.html
AMF Van Wyck Lanes
Address: 13240 Metropolitan Ave
City: Jamaica
State: NY
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: Buckwild on May 21, 2008, 06:41:10 AM
Post by: EL on May 21, 2008, 09:45:15 AM
Post by: FBM357 on May 21, 2008, 11:19:19 AM
quote:
I can be wrong but I don't think Van Wyck Lanes was even close to St. Johns. St. Johns is on Union Turnpike.
Van Wyck wasn't too far from St. Johns. If you traveled down Union Turnpike to Main Street (left on Main St.), run that into Van Wyck Expressway service road, at the light would be Hillside Ave. Before next light (short cutoff) Van Wyck Lanes on the right (next light would be Jamaica Ave). Not that far at all.
As for Cozy, many leagues ran to them because Dani's Strike Zone (off Elmont Road - old International Lanes from back in the day) had already inherited leagues from County Lanes (i.e. Rosedale Lanes), Van Wyck and others. Heck, peeps who bowled at Bellrose ran to either Rockville Center, Baldwin or Sheridan.
Either way you look at it, league dues will go up as the lineage will undoubtably be more.
Edited on 5/21/2008 11:53 AM
Post by: EL on May 21, 2008, 11:34:48 AM
Well you guys can look at it this way, the leagues will have more teams and the prize funds will be higher. This is what happened at 34th Ave Bowl when most teams left Whitestone.
Post by: FBM357 on May 21, 2008, 11:42:12 AM
No doubt, definitely not within walking distance... LOL
My league at Van Wyck finished at 34th Ave. I haven't bowled there since the lanes were wood! .. LOL So you can imagine my expression when I walked in the place. Shot was MUCH different than the china at Van Wyck.
They still have a lot of action there?
Post by: EL on May 21, 2008, 11:50:02 AM
There was some team pot action there on Fridays nights.
Post by: FBM357 on May 21, 2008, 11:58:56 AM
I use to bowl @ Hollywood Lanes (Norm Ginsberg) many years ago. Located off 67th Ave & Queens Blvd.
I hear Ball Park lanes will be gone as well. Expected since they're rebuilding Yankee Stadium. I also (back in the day) bowled league at Gun Post & Parkway Lanes. Both have been gone for a while (owner has one house open - Bowlerland - 233rd St., Bronx)
Pretty soon we'll be bowling 'in the streets' ... LOL (aka Stickball)
Post by: tenpin477 on May 21, 2008, 01:14:59 PM
Cozy seems like the closest house, I just need to figure out a way to get there.
Post by: EL on May 21, 2008, 01:16:00 PM
Oh the good old days....
Post by: FBM357 on May 21, 2008, 02:00:32 PM
quote:
Van Wyck was definately not walking distance from St. Johns, but what other house was close?
Cozy seems like the closest house, I just need to figure out a way to get there.
If you're traveling from St. Johns....
Q10 bus at Union Turnpike & Queens Blvd to Lefferts Blvd. Catch A Train to Rockaway Blvd. Walk 2 blocks
OR
Q10 bus at Union Tpk & Queens Blvd to Rockaway Blvd, transfer for Q7 Bus down Rockaway Blvd and you'll see Cozy on left (White Castles is your landmark - it's right next to it). You'll also notice the train station a block or so away as well.
Edited on 5/22/2008 10:45 AM
Post by: FBM357 on May 21, 2008, 02:02:54 PM
quote:
Old Spice, not too familiar with the Bronx area but I do remember Hollywood Lanes. Didn't look like a bowling alley from the outside but once you walk down the stairs there it was. Bowled there many times but just couldn't get use to the high ceilings and once in a while the E or the F train running by.
Oh the good old days....
Isn't that the truth! Oh, don't be late for league... finding a place to park is a blip (Hospital not far from the place)... LOLyes... the good old days
Post by: tenpin477 on May 21, 2008, 02:06:33 PM
Post by: Hogsharley on May 21, 2008, 03:02:32 PM
quote:
Old Spice, thanks, that doesnt seem to bad. Now what to do with the bowling balls lol.
Rent a locker.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: Hogsharley on May 21, 2008, 03:11:50 PM
quote:
I use to bowl @ Hollywood Lanes (Norm Ginsberg) many years ago. Located off 67th Ave & Queens Blvd.
Funny you should mention Hollywood lanes. I just got finished talking to the lane man at my house and he said that a private business (No AMF or Big B) is looking into opening the house again. He said that everything is still there. It will need some work and some new scoring but it's very do-able. I believe the house is about 28 lanes. Maybe some good news for Queens Keglers after all.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: NY Mike on May 21, 2008, 03:22:35 PM
Post by: NY Mike on May 21, 2008, 03:24:36 PM
above ground ball returns............
Post by: Hogsharley on May 21, 2008, 03:37:29 PM
quote:
Hogsharley: you don't bowl in one of the LaSpina houses do you ? Is it possible he is looking elsewhere to acccomodate the Queens bowlers ?
No. It's not Laspina.
Someone here mentioned that Laspina was in negoiations with Brunswick to buy Woodhaven lanes. I heard that he was offering next to nothing for it and was hoping to cash in on Brunswick's "fire sale" of Woodhaven. He brought nothing to the table to entice Brunswick's brass.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: EL on May 21, 2008, 03:47:30 PM
quote:quote:
I use to bowl @ Hollywood Lanes (Norm Ginsberg) many years ago. Located off 67th Ave & Queens Blvd.
Funny you should mention Hollywood lanes. I just got finished talking to the lane man at my house and he said that a private business (No AMF or Big B) is looking into opening the house again. He said that everything is still there. It will need some work and some new scoring but it's very do-able. I believe the house is about 28 lanes. Maybe some good news for Queens Keglers after all.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Nothing against opening Hollywood Lanes but parking was a pain there. You would also had to lug your bowling balls down 2 long flights of stairs. If I remember correct it was wood and the above ground ball return wasn't a fan favorite.
Post by: NY Mike on May 21, 2008, 03:48:08 PM
Post by: FBM357 on May 22, 2008, 10:48:53 AM
Anyways, as mentioned earlier parking and almost forgot...
... above ground ball returns... would be a headacheNeedless to say, 'something' would be better than 'nothing' at this point
Post by: FBM357 on May 22, 2008, 10:55:25 AM
quote:
Kindly keep the good news coming. Personally never thought Woodhaven would actually close. At this rate there will be no place for our kids to bowl.
Mike, I didn't think Van Wyck would close as quickly/soon as they did as well. It wasn't the first time rumored to close, so really had a 'wait & see' attitude towards it. Turns out they skipped the 'wait' and 'closed' so you can 'see'!
Makes you wonder why no one ever thought of building a bowling center (in NY) equal or larger than Carolier. There was plenty of space for such a center when Falcaros (spelling) - house located off Rockaway Tpk in 5 Towns closed many many years ago.
Post by: FBM357 on May 22, 2008, 04:11:31 PM
quote:
34th's new manager must be licking his chops. He was already raising rates, wonder what he'll do now that it is a sellers market.
got that right! ... only a matter of time..
Post by: NY Mike on May 27, 2008, 02:54:56 PM
Post by: FBM357 on May 27, 2008, 03:06:06 PM
quote:
Woodhaven is gone, now I am off to bowl in Cozy (a/k/a Americana) bowled there about 12 years ago have not been back since. Shot back in the late 90's on the wood was 5 board to the gutter only, 6 an in was all skid. Anyone have an idea what I can expect, I will be bowling downstairs which I am told is synthetic. Another question, do they still have the ball returns that run all the way up to the foul line ? use to hook my knee brace on those.......
LOL ... I'm like you, haven't stepped a foot in the place since it was all wood. All I know is what you already stated... 1st floor synthetics, upstairs is ????? .. wood? Anyways, don't know anyone who bowls there to give insight as to what kind of shot is there. FWIW, I wouldn't bring anything for heavy oil, rather stuff to cover dry -> medium heavy (if best and depending upon style).
Have fun ...
Post by: NY Mike on May 27, 2008, 03:31:05 PM
the lane conditions I have battled.
Post by: NY Mike on May 28, 2008, 01:33:15 PM
Post by: FBM357 on May 28, 2008, 03:04:00 PM
quote:
OLD Spice 357 - where are you currently bowling out of ? Queens house, say 34th Ave ? I am originally from LiCity Lanes.
was bowling @ Van Wyck up to the closing (Sat. morning). Dani's Strike Zone (where International Lanes off Elmont Rd. near Old Dutch Broadway) Thurs. evenings. Sub @ Homefield Lanes as well. Usually take summer off for lots of fishing and softball and as fall league approach, begin practicing.
prior to this, many yrs ago bowled all over. Even when Madison Square Garden had lanes
Edited on 5/28/2008 3:05 PM
Post by: Hogsharley on May 28, 2008, 03:19:57 PM
quote:
prior to this, many yrs ago bowled all over. Even when Madison Square Garden had lanes
MSG doesn't have basketball anymore either.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
Post by: FBM357 on May 28, 2008, 03:33:24 PM
quote:quote:
prior to this, many yrs ago bowled all over. Even when Madison Square Garden had lanes
MSG doesn't have basketball anymore either.
--------------------
3 holes of fun!!
no doubt!!! ... Even the quality of boxing has taken a hit! What's next, dare I say 'Rangers'?
Garden will be mainly used for tennis, (boxing??) and hockey. NY Tricks aren't going anywhere no time soon (until they buy out everyone and start new... LOL) IMO, Dolan needs to go!
Post by: FBM357 on May 28, 2008, 03:35:02 PM
. Haven't been to Leisure (Port Authority) in a while as well--------------------
Proud member of the Track Revolution - EMERITUS & Hitman
"Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open!"
Post by: EL on May 28, 2008, 03:49:44 PM
Post by: FBM357 on May 28, 2008, 04:42:32 PM
quote:
Just head on out to 34th Ave. It's not a bad house, it's clean, the lanes are well maintainand with decent parking area. Just visit the pro shop and say hi to "Dino" for me.
Dino drills quite a few balls for my teammate. I'll have to visit one day. I'll be sure to relay your message
--------------------
Proud member of the Track Revolution - EMERITUS & Hitman
"Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open!"
Post by: NY Mike on May 29, 2008, 07:23:47 AM
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/05/27/2008-05-27_woodhaven_lanes_in_glendale_a_beloved_bo.html