Appointed Director of Economic Development, GJDC
BY TIMIKA MASON
Justin K. Rodgers, lifetime resident of Jamaica, has been appointed Director of Economic Development by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC).
Having served two years as GJDC’s manager of business services, Rodgers has helped local firms increase job retention and economic development. He now plans to do the same for downtown Jamaica and said, “Working in coordination with Jamaica’s neighborhood and civic leaders, we will dedicate ourselves to new business creation, new housing, and new transportation-related development.”
Just 28 years old, Rodgers has been the head of physical infrastructure projects in Jamaica — such as road resurfacing, graffiti reduction, upgrading street lighting and planting trees. Through the New York State’s Empire Zone program, Rodgers has introduced 15 new businesses to the Jamaica area and implemented a signage project that has improved truck routing and traffic flow. Rodgers will continue to promote economic development projects, working closely with city, state, and federal agencies, as well as local community leaders.
“As a proven member of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation’s team, Justin Rodgers has been instrumental in bringing about improvements that have enhanced the value and beauty of this community,” said GJDC Chairman, Lamont Bailey. “Justin will play a vital leadership role in boosting the local economy and reaping maximum value from the recent rezoning.”
On September 10, 2007, as part of a “Jamaica Plan,” the City of New York approved the rezoning of 366 blocks in Jamaica. The intention behind this plan is to support the creation of three million square feet for new office, retail and hotel space, as well as 5,200 new housing units and 9,500 jobs.
“While Downtown Jamaica has experienced significant economic expansion in recent years, the rezoning by the City of New York last September creates unprecedented opportunities for new growth,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers has held other leadership positions, including program director of the National Pro-Am City Leagues Association in Long Island City, program manager for the Sports Foundation in the Bronx, and analyst of global markets for JP Morgan Chase.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Adelphi University and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Florida A&M University.
