Community Service: Edward Chung says he is a strong believer in doing everything he can to keep civic organizations in touch with homeowners. Chung is on the Board of Directors of the Jamaica Estates Association and was inducted this year as a board member of Community Board 8.
He said he is the go-to man for neighborhood problems, like cleaning parking lots, removing damaged trees, having abandoned cars towed away or fixing knocked down telephone poles.
Background: “I take pride in my neighborhood,” Chung said.
His celebration of diversity in various events, like JEA’s International Night, shows the emphasis he places on embracing diversity in a community. This has led him to accept many leading civic positions.
Favorite Memory: One of Chung’s favorite memories from civic leading is the Annual Jamaica Estates Association’s International Night that brings together the community and celebrates its diversity. It is a night full of local merchants’ food, great entertainment, culture and fun.
“It promotes diversity to show that we are all together, living together,” he said.
Biggest Challenge: One of Chung’s most memorable challenges was dealing with the high number of car accidents on Dalny Road in Jamaica Estates. He decided to take action with Barry Weinberg, the late president of Jamaica Estates Association.
With the support of Weinberg, who encouraged him to begin this project, Chung and his neighbors worked on organizing facts and collecting police reports on the countless accidents that had occurred on the narrow, two-way street.
Both Weinberg and JEA President Evan Gorin led Chung to a meeting with the now retired Borough President Claire Shulman. Chung’s neighbors pitched a presentation, suggesting a change in the road. As a result, Chung helped decrease the number of accidents that occur on Dalny Road. His neighbors’ issues were resolved and the Department of Traffic set new rules in place to create a safer environment.
Inspiration: Many years back, Weinberg sparked Chung’s interest in civic leading and community involvement. He had once told Chung that he “should get involved in the neighborhood because he is a homeowner and everyone has a stake in the neighborhood.”
He then assisted him in his Dalny Road challenges.
“Because of him, I became more involved and I see the benefits of joining a civic group and being an active member,” Chung said.
NIKKI DJOKOVICH
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