# Figliola Neighborhood and Green Living: A Hidden Connection

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/01/figliola-neighborhood-and-green-living-a-hidden-connection/
- Published: 2026-01-09T21:17:20-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Podcast Spotlight: The Slow Midnight on Cypress Avenue – Interview with Author Mike Figliola

Stories matter. Moreover, the stories we tell about forgotten neighborhoods, such
as the Figliola Neighborhood, matter even more. That’s exactly why our latest Green
Living Guy podcast episode dives deep into Mike Figliola’s compelling novel, “The
Slow Midnight on Cypress Avenue.”

This isn’t your typical sustainability conversation. However, it’s precisely the
kind of discussion that reveals how human communities: especially overlooked ones:
form the backbone of any [green living movement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/update-climate-about-green-and-sustainable-practices/).

## Why Cypress Avenue Matters in Today’s Urban Landscape

Figliola sets his interconnected vignettes on Cypress Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens.
Furthermore, this location isn’t accidental. The avenue sits at a neighborhood border
edge: an “unkempt afterthought” that most people drive past without noticing.

These borderland spaces tell crucial stories. Additionally, they represent the diverse,
working-class communities that environmental movements often overlook. Ridgewood,
Queens, embodies this perfectly. The neighborhood blends cultures, languages, and
economic backgrounds in [ways that mirror sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/oregon-leads-the-way-in-green-initiatives/)
community models.

![Aerial view of an urban neighborhood showcasing colorful residential buildings
and a street intersection](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2026/01/IMG_9735-400x400.jpeg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_9735 - The Green Living
Guy")

The rawness Figliola captures isn’t gritty for shock value. Instead, it reflects
[authentic urban living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/elizabeth-tenhouten-inspiring-authentic-living/).
These are the neighborhoods where people walk to corner stores, know their neighbors’
stories, and create informal support networks. Consequently, they demonstrate grassroots
sustainability in action.

## The Irregular Regulars: Characters That Define Community

### Samuel Jean and Desponda “Dezzy” Rivera

The relationship between eccentric Samuel Jean and young Puerto Rican Desponda Rivera
anchors the book’s morning section. Their “soft and strange” connection represents
intergenerational bonds that sustainable communities desperately need.

Samuel Jean embodies the kind of local character who knows everyone’s business. 
Meanwhile, Dezzy represents the next generation navigating cultural identity. Together,
they show how diverse neighborhoods create unexpected mentorships and friendships.

### “Old” Goldie Samuels

Goldie spends her days at the local liquor store, spinning yarns and getting free
drinks. However, she’s not just a colorful character. Instead, she represents the
neighborhood historians who carry collective memory.

Every sustainable community needs its Goldies. These are the people who remember
when the bodega was a hardware store, when families stayed for generations, and 
when neighbors helped neighbors through tough times.

### Corporal Benjamin Zogby: The Heart of Cypress Avenue

Benjamin Zogby anchors the entire narrative. This veteran sits on his stoop daily,
watching buses pass and waiting for love to return. His tragic fate triggers the
avenue’s descent into “unstoppable tailspin toward unexpected change and inner destruction.”

Zogby represents countless urban veterans struggling with isolation and loss. Furthermore,
his story highlights how individual trauma ripples through entire communities. This
connection between personal wellbeing and neighborhood health is essential for understanding
[sustainable urban living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/how-sustainability-changed-the-world-living-ethos/).

![A colorful illustration depicting a diverse urban neighborhood scene with people
of various ages socializing on the steps of buildings and chatting in a community
setting Potted plants line the buildings enhancing the friendly atmosphere](https://
i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_9736-400x400.jpeg?resize
=400%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_9736 - The Green Living Guy")

## Urban Stories and Green Living: The Surprising Connection

You might wonder how a gritty Queens novel connects to environmental themes. However,
the connection runs deeper than you’d expect.

Sustainable communities require strong social bonds. Additionally, they need diverse
voices, intergenerational connections, and residents who care about place. Figliola’s
Cypress Avenue residents embody these qualities, even in their struggles.

The book’s three-part structure—Morning, Afternoon, Night—mirrors natural cycles.
Moreover, the characters’ interconnected lives demonstrate how individual actions
affect the whole community. These principles apply directly to environmental sustainability.

Urban [sustainability isn’t just about solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/hybrid-solar-wind-energy-storage-market-worth-1-5bn-by-2024-global-market-insights-inc/)
panels and bike lanes. Instead, it requires communities where people know each other,
support local businesses, and create informal networks of care. Cypress Avenue provides
this foundation, even amid its challenges.

## Podcast Highlights: Conversation with Mike Figliola

Our [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/green-emmys-jessica-williamson-going-sustainable-fashion/)
conversation with Figliola revealed fascinating insights about urban storytelling
and community building. The author spent five years developing these characters,
drawing from his own neighborhood experiences.

“I wanted to capture one Sunday in the life of a street most people ignore,” Figliola
explained during our interview. “These aren’t perfect people, but they’re real people
creating community in imperfect circumstances.”

Figliola’s background as a TV/radio reporter informed his observational skills. 
He spent countless hours watching neighborhood rhythms, listening to conversations,
and understanding how individual stories weave together.

![A bus stop with a wooden bench and a lamppost on a quiet urban street](https://
i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_9737-400x400.jpeg?resize
=400%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_9737 - The Green Living Guy")

A quiet bus stop featuring a weathered wooden bench and a vintage lamp post reflecting
the essence of overlooked urban neighborhoods

The author emphasized how borderland neighborhoods like Ridgewood contain incredible
diversity. “You’ve got families who’ve been there for decades alongside new immigrants,
veterans struggling with PTSD, and kids figuring out their identity,” he noted. “
That mix creates both tension and resilience.”

Lenny Dykstra’s endorsement carries particular weight. The former Mets center fielder
wrote: “I spent five seasons in Queens, NY, prowling center field of Shea Stadium.
Mike Figliola captures the heartbeat of [NYC better than any book](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/10/nyc-launch-party-for-the-green-lighting-book/)
I know.” This praise from someone who knows Queens intimately validates Figliola’s
authentic portrayal.

## Literary Tradition Meets Contemporary Challenges

Figliola writes in the tradition of Henry Miller and Charles Bukowski: authors who
found profound humanity in overlooked places and people. However, his work addresses
contemporary urban challenges these earlier writers couldn’t anticipate.

Today’s urban neighborhoods face gentrification pressures, which often lead to the
displacement of long-time residents, [climate change impacts](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/animals-by-keystone-pipeline-environmental-impact/)
that threaten infrastructure and public health, and economic inequality that exacerbates
the divide between different socioeconomic groups. Therefore, Cypress Avenue’s struggles
reflect broader challenges facing working-class communities nationwide, as they 
contend not only with rising rents and housing shortages but also with the urgent
need for sustainable practices that can combat environmental degradation. These 
interconnected issues demand comprehensive solutions that prioritize community engagement
and equitable development, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard
and included in the decision-making processes.

The book’s structure as interconnected vignettes mirrors how modern urban life actually
works. People’s stories overlap, influence each other, and create unexpected consequences.
This web of connections forms the social infrastructure that sustainable communities
require.

## What Listeners Can Learn from Cypress Avenue

Figliola’s [work offers several lessons for green living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/11/recycling-paper-recycle-employee-tips-for-success/)
advocates and urban sustainability enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of integrating
eco-friendly practices into everyday life, promoting community engagement in environmental
initiatives, and exploring innovative solutions to address urban challenges. By 
highlighting the interconnectedness of urban ecosystems and the vital role that 
individuals and [organizations play in fostering sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/reserveage-organics-wins-best-of-supplements-award/)
practices, Figliola inspires a holistic approach to conservation and resource management.
Through case studies and actionable strategies, his insights encourage advocates
to champion policies that prioritize sustainability, ultimately leading to healthier,
more resilient cities that benefit both people and the planet.

First, authentic community building requires embracing imperfection. The Cypress
Avenue residents aren’t model citizens. Nevertheless, they create meaningful connections
across differences of age, culture, and experience.

Second, sustainable communities need storytellers and memory keepers. Characters
like Goldie Samuels preserve neighborhood history and identity. Without these informal
historians, communities lose connection to place.

Third, individual struggles affect collective wellbeing. Corporal Zogby’s isolation
doesn’t just harm him: it creates ripple effects throughout the avenue. Therefore,
sustainable communities must address mental health, social isolation, and economic
stress as environmental issues.

![A digital illustration depicting four urban scenes representing different times
of the day morning noon evening and night with silhouettes of people walking through
a city landscape](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/
IMG_9738-400x400.jpeg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_9738 - The Green Living Guy")

Illustration depicting the different phases of a day in an urban setting Morning
Noon Evening and Night

## Green Living Guy’s Mission Connection

This conversation perfectly aligns with our [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/yahoo-news-featuring-the-green-living-guy/)
mission of celebrating diverse, inclusive, real communities. Environmental [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/agricultural-practices-both-practical-eco-sustainable/)
requires honest examination of how people actually live, work, and connect.

Cypress Avenue represents thousands of similar neighborhoods across America. These
places house the working families, immigrants, veterans, and older people who form
sustainable communities’ backbone. However, they’re often invisible in mainstream
environmental discussions.

By spotlighting Figliola’s neighborhood and work, we’re highlighting the [human dimension of green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/habitat-for-humanity-partner-in-housing-project/)
living. [Sustainability isn’t just about technology](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/smart-eco-friendly-home-the-future-of-sustainable-living/)
and policy. Instead, it’s about creating communities where people care about each
other and their shared [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/community-cooling-centers-provide-essential-relief/).

The book also demonstrates how art and storytelling advance environmental awareness.
Figliola doesn’t mention [climate change or renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/08/meritage-homes-and-sunpower-a-powerful-partnership/)
when talking about his neighborhood. Nevertheless, his portrayal of [community resilience and interconnection teaches essential sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/10/green-ossining-building-a-plastic-free-community/)
lessons.

## Join the Conversation

“The Slow Midnight on Cypress Avenue” challenges readers to see overlooked neighborhoods
with fresh eyes. Moreover, it reveals how supposedly “unimportant” places contain
profound wisdom about community building and human connection.

Listen to our complete conversation with Mike Figliola on [The Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/recycling-green-living-guy-tv-segment/)
podcast. Additionally, consider how your own neighborhood creates unexpected connections
and supports diverse residents.

What stories does your street tell? Furthermore, how do your neighbors create informal
networks of care and support? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments
below.

Urban sustainability starts with understanding and appreciating the communities 
we already have, recognizing their unique characteristics, strengths, and challenges.
This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for meaningful engagement and collaboration
among residents. Consequently, books like [Figliola’s neighborhood](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/12/westchester-county-green-drinks-book-signing-and-heading-up-green-drinks-westchester/)
provide essential roadmaps for building the green, inclusive neighborhoods our future
requires, offering innovative strategies and insights into creating spaces that 
promote environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic resilience. By integrating
sustainable practices into our existing community frameworks, we can foster environments
that not only enhance the quality of life for current residents but also create 
a blueprint for future generations to thrive harmoniously within their surroundings.

**External Sources:**

 * Mike Figliola’s book interviews and podcast appearances
 * Ridgewood Queens neighborhood demographics and community profile
 * Urban community building and environmental sustainability research

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)