By Howard Koplowitz
The block associations will help inform the development corporation about store owners on Linden Boulevard who want to sell their businesses and the corporation will seek out local residents who want to buy the shops.Corporation President Kevin Jemmott said the not-for-profit organization, which he formed last year, also seeks to add more variety to the types of stores on Linden Ð the neighborhood's commercial strip Ð aside from the beauty parlors, Chinese restaurants and chicken joints.Speaking at the Cambria Heights Civic Association meeting Jan. 14, Jemmott said only 20 percent of Cambria Heights' properties are owned by African Americans. Most are owned by absentee landlords, many of whom are from out of state. Cambria Heights is a predominantly black, middle-class neighborhood.”If that commercial strip goes down, so does the community,” Jemmott said.”Where's the Barnes & Noble on Linden Boulevard?” Jemmott asked. “Where's the Starbucks?””Why not? The money's here,” he said, citing recent U.S. Census data that showed black families earned more than white families in Queens. “What, they think we don't read?”Jemmott also announced a college scholarship competition for high school seniors attending the campus magnet schools.He said the scholarships, named after the late Cambria Heights Civic Association president Jack Thompson, are intended to be an annual event. The corporation has raised $9,000 so far for the awards, Jemmott said.”The scholarship is going to be here forever, just like Jack was,” he said.There will be a $1,000 award for first place, $750 for second and $500 for third, Jemmott said.To qualify, students must be a senior at one of the campus magnet schools, be accepted to a college and perform community service Ð which Jemmott said would be given the most consideration.”We want to instill in our young people the idea of giving back to the community,” Jemmott said.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
