New JFK rail link would boost businesses

A new rail link may help business development in Jamaica while also improving transportation for some commuters.
It is estimated that the Lower Manhattan-Jamaica/JFK Rail Link will cost $6 billion and will run between the two areas.
&#8220This rail is a transportation investment that will not only contribute to the economic revitalization of Lower Manhattan and Jamaica, as well as Brooklyn, but will also increase the region’s economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for those who live and work in New York,” said John Zuccotti, Brookfield Properties U.S. Chairman.
&#8220Downtown businesses have been pushing the concept to increase the area’s competitive position, and the new link championed by Mayor Bloomberg and supported by Governor Pataki would be a potent and crucial improvement to achieve that goal, while greatly easing the commute for Long Island residents and offering a one-seat ride to JFK airport.”
Eric Deutsch, the president of Downtown Alliance, said that, following 9/11, it was evident that there were major transportation improvements that needed to be made in order to encourage long-time growth.
&#8220This project is unique in the sense that it’s an economic development driven project,” Deutsch said. &#8220It’s kind of the spoke in the wheel that’s been missing.”
Congressmember Gregory Meeks, who is a supporter of the project, also said that this would be highly beneficial.
&#8220The Lower Manhattan-to-Jamaica/JFK Rail Link will not only have a far-reaching impact on the region’s connectivity, growth and sustainability, but will also help further the development of a vibrant, missed use community in the AirTrain/Jamaica Station area,” he said. &#8220Linking the vital Lower Manhattan and Jamaica, Queens business districts will stimulate economic development and tourism, with significant opportunity for serving the residents of Southern Queens and the region.”
F. Carlisle Towery, the president of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, added that Southeast Queens is in need of quick access to jobs and opportunities and that the proposed rail link would help accomplish that.
&#8220Our mission is redeveloping downtown Jamaica,” he said. &#8220We believe that having a quick shuttle-like connection to Lower Manhattan would be good for Jamaica.”
Currently, the project is in the beginning stages, although Deutsch said that construction should begin within the next few years.