By Naeisha Rose
Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop announced that three of the nine Avenue NYC grants awarded to community-based development organizations would be going to groups in Queens.
“As New Yorkers, we take great pride in our neighborhoods, which is why the city is committed to empowering community-based organizations to strengthen and preserve their neighborhoods,” said Bishop, who runs the city agency. “With these new multi-year awards, we’ve taken this commitment to the next level by funding valuable commercial revitalization projects for up to three years.”
Avenue NYC grants are given out to community-based groups to enable them to enhance their capacity in serving their neighborhoods.
Grant-winners will be awarded up to $100,000 per year for three years for their work in boosting underserved neighborhoods through community development projects, according to SBS.
Chhaya Community Development Corporation (Jackson Heights), Jamaica Center Improvement Association (Jamaica) and Rockaway Business Alliance (Rockaways) were the Queens winners.
Chhaya CDC is an organization that advocates for the housing needs of South Asians. Jamaica Center Improvement Association seeks to make Jamaica a thriving business hub. Rockaway Business Alliance works to maintain the growth of the communities and businesses on the Rockaway Peninsula.
“I am delighted that Chhaya Community Development Corporation has been awarded an AvenueNYC grant,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights). “Chhaya CDC delivers a wide array of services to my constituents. That includes helping low- and middle-income Queens residents navigate through the many challenges that prospective home buyers face.”
Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Rockaway) and Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who both represent parts of the Rockaways, were delighted by the news of the investment.
“As we work to revive long-forgotten communities and their commercial corridors, it is critical that we lift up the small businesses on the ground today and make new opportunities for potential business owners,” said Richards.
Ulrich agreed.
“The Rockaway Business Alliance played an instrumental role in our resiliency efforts in the years following Superstorm Sandy,” said Ulrich. “The organization is committed to creating a welcoming environment where local businesses can thrive.”
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
