Jamaica goes green

Jamaica just got a little greener. Two beautification projects have been completed, creating new green spaces and enhancing the pedestrian experience.
Through a joint effort of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC), the underutilized lot on Archer Avenue, across from the landmark Long Island Rail Road headquarters building, has been converted to a green space.
The Archer Avenue project, part of the city’s “Greenstreets” initiative, began last spring and converted a makeshift parking area into a green space with trees and flower beds.
Marshall allocated $200,000 for the beautification and the Parks Department completed the work. GJDC, in cooperation with the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District, will maintain the new open space.
“As Jamaica undergoes a revitalization, it will be the small things that make a big difference in the district,” said Marshall. “The creation of attractive open spaces, like Archer Avenue, enhances the environment for private investment and adds to the neighborhood’s vibrancy.”
“Since its inception in 1996, Parks’ Greenstreets program has become one of our most successful programs—turning once-barren, paved areas into pint-size parks,” said Queens Borough Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski. “These small habitats not only make neighborhoods greener and more beautiful but they help the environment and become home to birds, butterflies and other insects. The success of this program is in large part due to the dedication of organizations like the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. We thank them for helping to beautify Archer Avenue and for bringing more green space to Jamaica.”
A second green space, located north of Archer Avenue on Sutphin Boulevard, has also been completed.
The work included installation of a new sidewalk, information panels, trees and flowers. The project is part of GJDC’s Jamaica Pathways program, which enhances pedestrian routes. Project funds from the city capital budget and the Federal Highway Administration were provided by the city’s Economic Development Corporation through a funding agreement with GJDC.
“Maintaining public infrastructure and creating a friendlier environment are important aspects of the overall plan to attract new private-sector investment,” said Carlisle Towery, president of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “While these projects are smaller components compared to larger initiatives underway, they beautify the gateway to the district and change visitors’ perceptions of Jamaica.”
Greater Jamaica is set to attract new commercial development as a result of the rezoning of 368 blocks. Part of the “Jamaica Plan,” intended to promote creation of 3 million square feet of new office, retail and hotel space, 5,200 new units of housing, and 9,500 jobs, the rezoning was approved in September 2007.