Downtown Jamaica rehab continues with Sutphin Blvd. groundbreaking

The revitalization of Downtown Jamaica continued recently with an improvement that will transform a series of garbage loading docks into inviting retail space. Located on Sutphin Blvd. across from the AirTrain/Long Island Rail Rd. Jamaica Station entrance, redevelopment of the highly visible site is an economic and perceptual boost for the area. Congressman Gregory Meeks secured funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), for the project, which is being undertaken by Greater Jamaica Development Corp. (GJDC). In addition, funding was provided by the Federal Highway Administration through the NYC Economic Development Corp. NYC councilman Thomas White secured funds from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and assemblywoman Vivian Cook secured funding for LIRR's work in the project. Once completed, the underpass will offer an attractive, safe and well-lit pedestrian experience by adding overhead lighting, vibrant store fronts and installing a new sidewalk and roadbed. The retail spaces will cater to the more than 300,000 daily commuters by providing services within close proximity of the station, such as convenience stores and food vendors. GJDC will oversee leasing activity, with the goal of accommodating local qualified entrepreneurs. Finally, bus stops will be made safer for riders by widening the loading zones and making signage more visible. GJDC intends to achieve a minority/women-owned business and disadvantaged business participation goal of at least 20% for the construction and design of this project. The Sutphin Blvd. project is the first in a series of three intermodal-related projects totaling $98 million that will help transform Downtown Jamaica into a commercial center. Phase two will extend Atlantic Ave. to connect with 95th Ave. to improve access to the AirTrain/LIRR Station from the Van Wyck Expy. The project, which breaks ground in 2010, will also create a small park. The third phase, Station Plaza, will realign the intersection of Archer Ave. and Sutphin Blvd. to ease traffic and pedestrian conflicts as well as enhance the streetscape environment. Work will commence in 2011. Both phases will take up to 18 months to complete. The Sutphin Blvd. project is the latest revitalization initiative orchestrated by GJDC. In September 2007, the city approved rezoning of 368 blocks in Jamaica as part of a "Jamaica Plan" intended to promote creation of three million s/f of new office, retail and hotel space, 9,500 jobs and 5,200 new units of housing while protecting the area's lower scale residential blocks. Jamaica's resurgence is a key component of the transit-oriented development laid out in PlaNYC. Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is one of New York's oldest not-for-profit local development corporations. Since its founding in 1967 by the Regional Plan Association and local business, civic and community leaders, GJDC has practiced local economic development as it pursues its community-building mission. GJDC envisions Downtown Jamaica as a modern and efficient mixed-used regional center offering a pleasant and productive experience for those who work, live and visit there. GJDC is supported by corporate and foundation grants, by government contracts and by income earned from its project operations. A New York State membership organization, it has some 85 members and is governed by a board of directors of 25 business and community leaders.