By The TimesLedger
After 30 years, the people of southeast Queens finally have a theater to call their own. No longer do the residents of Jamaica, Laurelton and Springfield Gardens have to drive to Nassau County just to see a movie.
In fact, the Jamaica Multiplex, a 15-screen, state-of-the art stadium-style theater that opened last week in Jamaica Center, is so nice that the folks from Nassau County might soon find themselves coming here to see a movie.
As the song goes, it’'s been a long time coming. Business leaders have been trying for years to find a developer willing to invest in downtown Jamaica. At first it looked like former NBA star Magic Johnson would come to the rescue. But Johnson got cold feet and backed out of the deal.
That’s when Whitestone developer Joseph Mattone Sr. and National Amusements President Shari Redstone stepped up to the plate. They saw the potential in downtown Jamaica and, unlike Magic, they put their money on the line.
We believe they have made a sound investment, one that will create jobs and improve the quality of life in southeast Queens. The theater itself employs 170 people and retailers such as The Gap, Old Navy, Walgreens, and Bally Total Fitness that are moving into Jamaica Center for a total of 350 new jobs. More will follow.
Congratulations to all of those who believed in Jamaica enough to make this happen.
