Task Force discusses Jamaica rezoning

Jessica Baker was the guest speaker at Assemblymember William Scarborough’s monthly 29th AD Task Force Meeting. Baker is a Senior Project Manager for the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC), and is responsible for coordinating an Interagency Task Force intended to deal with community issues related to the 2007 Jamaica rezoning, and subsequent redevelopment projects. Baker will act as a point of contact for community outreach, as well as being the go between among civic organizations, Community Boards, city agencies and elected officials. One of the agencies Baker is working with is the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). They have hired a consultant to look at storm water and waste water systems in southeast Queens.
In the spring, the NYC Parks Department will be planting new trees on Jamaica Avenue, Liberty Avenue, Hillside Avenue and Merrick Boulevard in an effort to make the downtown area more attractive. The Department of Transportation has been studying street parking regulations within the downtown, and will create 199 new on-street parking spots.
Baker said anyone with questions pertaining to Downtown Jamaica should call 212-618-5706. She will be at CB 12 on a monthly basis. She will also be distributing quarterly newsletters for the public. If any citizens or civic groups would like to receive a copy of the newsletter, they can email her at jbaker@nycedc.com.