The JFK Redevelopment Advisory Council, principals in the airport redevelopment and community stakeholders met to discuss updates to development activities. On hand were Chairs Congressman Meeks and Borough President Melinda Katz, Port Authority representatives, many of the Advisory Council and community members to hear specific activities of the committees, restate goals and to talk inclusion.
Important meeting information shared by moderator Selvena Brooks- Powers included: Terminal developers timelines, projected workforce requirements and contractor contact information; The Port Authority introduction of two MWBE compliance consultants ; facilitator for future meetings; Port announced the opening of the Redevelopment Community Outreach Office on Jamaica Avenue for business opportunities and concerns; Governor Cuomo’s representative Hersh Parekh announced the Van Wyck expansion project, www.dot.ny.gov/
The moderator directed all in attendance to the new website, www.anewj
As Co-chair of the Advisory Council, Meeks sought participation, accountability and community involvement for the project to succeed. “ This advisory board will not work without the community’s involvement. We can’t get frustrated because if we all get involved then things will happen. The community needs to benefit from this project so the developers need to be accountable. I need you, the council to be my eyes and ears so we can produce real deliverables and be a model for all to see.”
TOGA (Terminal One Group Associates). President CEO at Carlyle Airport Group Amit Rikhy introduced JLC financial partner Marlin Jones, McKissack McKissack VPs Quentin Brathwaite and Kimberly Hardy. He mentioned their operating partner Munich Airport International, the career training JFK Airport Academy and over 10,000 of jobs that will be created. McKissack will lead their workforce engagement efforts. Their email is info@
Jet Blue. Director Corporate Social Responsibility Icema Gibbs introduced JetBlue redevelopment team, Director JFK Infrastructure Strategy Development at JetBlue Justin Ginsburgh, and JFK Millennium Partners (JFKMP) comprised of Vantage Airport Group and RXR Realty LLC. Gibbs promised social responsibility, unprecedented transparency and economic growth. They are in the process choosing a single prime contractor for the entire project as well in the process of early MWBE engagement and subcontractors desiring to participate should contact them by April 15. The project is expected to be completed in 2023. Email is Procu
American Airlines. Regional Director, Government Affairs Darryl Towns and Managing Director Corporate Real Estate Pamela Teta-Whelan discussed the collaboration with British Airways . Towns said, “ I am very excited about moving forward with our tenant BA.” This comment in response the to the $344 million renovation and enhancements to Terminal 8. Terminal 7 is to be razed and reconstructed as part of the expanded JetBlue Terminal 5.
Minority Compliance. MWBE compliance consultant hires were made public: Crescent Consulting and RF Wilkins represented by Yvette-Dennis-Greene and Francilla Wilkins respectively.
Facilitator. Brooks-Powers also announced that Dr. Stacey Grant of CG Enterprises would be the meeting facilitator for the Advisory Council meetings going forward.
Education Committee. York College President Dr. Marcia Keizs and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman spoke about the JFK Airport Academy and how this program will bring in a wide range of people for ongoing training in order to quality for the jobs that will soon becoming available. Keizs said “we need get the message out”.
Business Development. Co-Chair and President CEO of Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) Hope Knight advanced the mission goals of the community building organization in working together in promoting, coordinating and advancing responsible development in revitalizing Jamaica and JFK.
Environmental Stewardship committee. Co-Chair Barbara Brown reported that the committee has not yet set an agenda of goals but added that the airport is at the “foothills of the community” and” if it impacts the community what will be the mitigations, “ relating to the broader health priorities.
Career Development: Kevin Alexander said “ I am very excited about the community effort to prepare resident to compete for jobs.” He also called for a push for a marketing strategy to bring awareness to the public. Next committee meeting is April 5th, Noon.
