Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bringing electrifying bowling to Electchester

A Nassau County businessman has promised to pump $1 million into an outdated Queens bowling alley once he takes over on Sept. 1, calming fears the rundown pin paradise would become the borough's third to close this year.


New owner vows to shift Fresh Meadows' JIB Lanes into fast lane


John LaSpina, who owns two alleys in Brooklyn and two in Long Island, has inked a deal to operate JIB Lanes in Fresh Meadows - with plans to install LCD scoring monitors and set aside "boutique lanes" with a portable bar for private parties.

"We'll make it contemporary," vowed LaSpina, 59, as he roamed the dimly lit bowling alley recently. "We'll have purples and yellows and boldness, and the before-and-after will be real striking."

Tucked in the basement of an electrical workers' union headquarters on Parsons Blvd. near Jewel Ave., the 48-lane alley fell into disrepair after its longtime operator, Ruben Dankoff, died at age 92 in 2003.

LaSpina also announced he's in the mix to open an alley at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale. City Councilman Anthony Como (R-Middle Village) is trying to broker a deal between LaSpina and Atlas Park development director Damon Hemmerdinger.


Thank God Anthony is finally tackling the tough issues and has his priorities in order. Anyone remember this?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I so remember bowling for dollars. It was so 70s...

Anonymous said...

"Hey, that bowling ball, it's my wife"

(kudos to the first who knows where THAT quote comes from)

Anonymous said...

It may not be the most important local topic, but at least Como understands his constituents, who enjoy this sport and hope to see it thrive in our borough.

David M. Quintana said...

Is the quote from "The Simpsons"..?

CJ said...

I wouldn't really say JIB lanes is in disrepair. I've been to several kids' birthday parties in the last year or two and while I'm not a bowling alley connoisseur, I don't think it's a bad place at all.

Anonymous said...

That was quoted from the J. Giels Band. Do I win a free game of bowling at Jib, at least? lol