The fate of the Forest Hills Stadium summer concert series may be in question due to ongoing noise complaints from nearby residents.

"After the pandemic, it's been increasingly out of control every season. With the pounding bass music, the electronic dance music has been out of control. Having shows on school nights when kids are trying to sleep and study,” said Matthew Mandell, a Forest Hills Garden Corporation board member.

What You Need To Know

  • Over the weekend, the NYPD Legal Bureau sent a notice to the stadium, revoking its sound amplification permits

  • The decision follows action by the Forest Hills Garden Corporation, which blocked access to private roads surrounding the stadium

  • The NYPD said it cannot ensure public safety during events at the 13,000-capacity open-air venue without access

  • Forest Hills Stadium pushed back against the move, stating on X that the 2025 concert schedule is proceeding as planned

Over the weekend, the NYPD Legal Bureau sent a notice to the stadium, revoking its sound amplification permits.

The decision follows action by the Forest Hills Garden Corporation, which blocked access to private roads surrounding the stadium. Without access, the NYPD said it cannot ensure public safety during events at the 13,000-capacity open-air venue.

Mandell hopes the permit revocation will pressure the stadium to reduce noise levels.

"We control our property, and if they want to have an event on our property, they need our permission," he said.

The potential concert series cancellation has now sparked concerns from local businesses and workers. Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech warned that losing the series would harm the local economy.

"It's like 600 jobs a night. And those people are local folks, we're not importing those from anywhere else,” Grech said. “They’re local folks that offer food, security and so on.”

Forest Hills Stadium pushed back against the move, stating on X that the 2025 concert schedule is proceeding as planned.

“Forest Hills Stadium is moving forward with our 2025 concert schedule as planned and our permitting timeline is on its standard schedule,” the stadium wrote. “As happens every season, the vocal NIMBY minority of Forest Hills Gardens are attempting to roadblock yet another enjoyable season of music.”

Residents, however, insist their concerns go beyond a simple "Not In My Backyard" attitude.

"My hope is that based on this dynamic, we'll be able to work out an agreement where all the concerns are addressed and we can have a successful 2025 season,” said Mandell.

Despite the uncertainty, Grech remains optimistic.

"There's not gonna be any exchange or refund. It's full steam ahead and I cannot wait for the summer concert series this year,” said Gretch.

The season is scheduled to kick off May 31 with a performance by English rock band Bloc Party.