Fourteen capital improvement projects around John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Queens will receive a total $100 million in funding through an agreement between the city and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The projects, which include infrastructure improvements, traffic mitigation and streetscape upgrades, are all within five miles of JFK Airport and will bring nearly 400 new jobs to the borough.
“Investing in critical infrastructure and supporting neighborhood improvements throughout the city are central components of our Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber, who helped announce the projects on Friday, July 31. “New York City’s airports are the gateway to our city, and with these investments in the communities that surround JFK and LaGuardia we will set the stage for continued growth throughout Queens.”
Some of the projects include the Station Plaza redevelopment in Jamaica, which will decrease traffic congestion while establishing new bus loading and off-loading lanes during peak hours; new sanitary sewer and storm-water infrastructure at Willets Point and enhancements to the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology’s Library and Community and Conference Center.
Other transportation related projects include Woodhaven Boulevard safety improvement, which is expected to come out of a study already underway, and a series of traffic and safety improvements at the Astoria Boulevard, Brooklyn Queens Expressway and Boody Street intersection by the Bulova Corporation and Retail Center.
The funding for the projects date back to an agreement between the city and the Port Authority in 2004 reached during negotiations for the airport lease. The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will oversee most of the projects.
“The Port Authority is proud to participate in projects that will improve the economic viability of Queens and enhance the borough for businesses, our transportation hubs and citizens alike,” said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward.
Many of the projects will enter into its design phase sometime this year, with a groundbreaking set for two or three years from now.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall praised the announcement, saying that the infusion of jobs comes at a time when the borough desperately needs them, and she believes the infrastructure improvements will continue to have a positive impact throughout the borough.
“Not only will these projects affect our two great airports; they will also contribute to significant economic development in Willets Point, Far Rockaway and other neighborhoods near the airports,” Marshall said. “I am pleased that these projects are moving forward.”
To view a complete list of projects that will receive funding, log onto www.nycedc.com
