Biz Grants For Shop Districts
Brighter lights and new greenery will come to the Jamaica Avenue shopping strip in Woodhaven thanks to funds provided by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz this week.
The borough president announced on Monday, June 9, that the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation (GWDC)-which operates the Woodhaven Business Improvement District-will get a $250,000 grant to install new LED (light-emitting diodes) street lamps under the elevated J/Z line running atop Jamaica Avenue.
In all, the GWDC received two of seven commercial corridor grants Katz is providing to business improvement districts (BIDs) throughout Queens for streetscape improvements. The GWDC is also getting $75,000 to bring new street trees and plantings to the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard.
“The commercial corridors found in the diverse neighborhoods throughout Queens are key assets and economic engines for our borough,” Katz stated. “The funds I am allocating to enhance these commercial corridors will help them maximize their potential as retail centers and civic gathering places.”
“The addition of plantings with trees and the new street lighting along Jamaica Avenue is so very welcome,” said Maria A. Thomson, the GWDC’s executive director. “The greenery will enhance our community of Woodhaven and the new lighting will improve our safety as well as positively affect our quality of life.”
Sunnyside merchants will also benefit from a commercial corridor grant of $56,950 to plant 27 new street trees and tree guards through the Sunnyside Shines BID, which runs on Queens Boulevard between 38th and 50th streets and on Greenpoint Avenue between 45th and 47th streets. The funds will also be used to expand existing street tree beds.
“The new street trees and their tree guards will add much-needed greenery to Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue and help make our neighborhood an even better place to shop, live and do business,” added Rachel Thieme, executive director of the Sunnyside Shines BID.
Other organizations across Queens receiving commercial corridor grants include the following:
– The Jamaica Center Business Improvement District will get $229,000 to install 102 decorative pedestrian light arms on light poles along Jamaica Avenue between 168th Street and Sutphin Boulevard and on Union Hall Street between Jamaica and Archer avenues.
– The Farmers Boulevard Community Development Corporation will receive $100,000 for new trees and plantings at a property on 99th Avenue and Farmers Boulevard, and the creation of a “Green Street” at the corner of Murdock Avenue and Farmers Boulevard in St. Albans.
– The Steinway Astoria Partnership will receive $200,000 for the creation of green space around the Steinway Clock between 30th and 31st avenues and at a municipal parking lot on Steinway Street between Broadway and 31st Avenue.
– The Friends of Rockaway Beach and the 100th Precinct Community Council will receive $200,000 for streetscape improvements, such as new fencing and directional guides, along Beach 116th Street between Beach Channel Drive and the oceanfront.
