Hope Knight, Greater Jamaica Development Corp.

Name & Title: Hope Knight, President & CEO

Company Name: Greater Jamaica Development Corp.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

There is so much happening here that it’s hard to pick one, but a notable achievement is helping Jamaica get selected by Gov. Cuomo for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which will bring $10 million of funding to the community in 2017.

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

We’ve noticed a gradual uptick in mixed-use-housing developments over the course of the last year (from 2,600 apartments last year to more than 3,600 apartments in 30 properties to be developed in Downtown Jamaica) and will provide housing options for residents of various income levels.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

We will be touting the transformative new development projects coming online to help spur more public and private-sector investment including retail, dining and nightlife to meet the demand from the growing residential and office populations. 

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2017?

Specific to Jamaica, groundbreaking on a few more projects in the area in addition to continued construction on major development sites around the LIRR AirTrain station will attract businesses, residents and developers to invest in the neighborhood in 2017.