2016 Women in Real Estate: Hope Knight

Hope Knight, Greater Jamaica Development Corp.

Name: Hope Knight

Title: President and CEO

Company Name: Greater Jamaica Development Corporation                

Email:  [email protected]                 

Years in real estate: 19 years

Telephone: 718 291 0282 x 113

How did you get your start in real estate?

At the NYC Department of City-wide Administrative Services formerly known as the Department of General Services, I was the liaison from the Commissioner’s to the Division of Real Property. In this experience, I was involved in the City’s role in the acquisition and disposition of real property, the design and construction of City facilities, and the subsequent maintenance required for those facilities. 

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

ULI, Regional Plan Association – Board Member

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of? 

I am very proud of the 12 years that I spent at the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) as chief operating officer.  In this role, I developed and implemented programs and initiatives that created greater access and opportunities for the residents and businesses of Upper Manhattan. UMEZ, in its role as a lender, was involved in the development of mixed-use projects as well as the creation of new retail which has had a transformational effect in the many neighborhoods of Northern Manhattan. Now, as the president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. (GJDC), I continue to work in the area of community building to plan, coordinate and advance responsible development to revitalize downtown Jamaica, Queens.  I am excited about the future of Jamaica and the role that Greater Jamaica will play in transforming the downtown while we seek to retain and enhance the unique qualities of this very special community.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

At the end of 2015, I was appointed as a member of the NYC Planning Commission (CPC). The role has primary responsibility for the conduct of planning relating to the orderly growth and development of New York City, including adequate and appropriate resources for the housing, business, transportation, recreation, culture, convenience, health and welfare of its residents. My experience at UMEZ coupled with the work that I now lead at Greater Jamaica, has afforded me on-the-ground experience in working with various stakeholders to bring about substantial and productive change in the context of community building. I believe that the breadth and combination of my experiences in economic development, provides me with a unique perspective that I bring to the work as a commissioner of the CPC.