The GatewayJFK Business Improvement District (BID) was recently awarded a significant funding injection from NYC Small Business Services (SBS).
Last month, GatewayJFK was awarded a $75,000 FY26 Single District Small BID Support Grant. This funding marks a milestone; it is the largest grant awarded to the organization since its inception in 2016.
The grant will expand programming and implement community-wide initiatives, including new signage, district-wide beautification, and quality-of-life improvements.
The funding award also intersects with another accomplishment for the BID; board members recently held an event at the TWA Hotel, located at JFK Airport, to celebrate the appointment of its most diverse board of directors to date.
James Johnson, executive director of GatewayJFK, described the funding as a “vote of confidence” from the city. “With a newly energized board that reflects the true diversity of our community, we’re taking bold steps to make GatewayJFK cleaner, safer, and more connected. When you drive to get to JFK International Airport, we want to make sure you feel the presence of the GatewayJFK Business Improvement District,” he said.
Debbie Cross, chair of the board, said the BID is committed to driving positive change within the district. “Since our recent restructuring, we have implemented a range of initiatives aimed at revitalizing our area, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents and business owners. Our board members bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, allowing us to approach challenges with innovative solutions,” Cross said. Cross, a commercial business owner, has made history in the BID as the first woman elected to lead Gateway JFK.
Navin Jaimangal, vice chairperson of GatewayJFK and a longtime commercial property owner, echoed Cross’s enthusiasm.“As a new board member and commercial property owner for 20 years, I am excited about the direction of the board and the new voices that are being heard. It’s all hands on deck from here,” he said.
Local elected officials showed their support for the BID’s recent news.
City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers described the grant as a strategic investment that will continue to drive economic growth in Southeast Queens. “With a revitalized board bringing fresh leadership, bold ideas, and a deep commitment to community impact, Gateway JFK is poised to make the district stronger, cleaner, and safer than ever before,” she said.
Brooks-Powers, chair of the city council’s Transportation Committee and a member of the council’s Small Business Committee, added that she hopes the funding will be a ‘turning point’ for the community.
The funding builds on GatewayJFK’s current collaboration with Tyrell Hankerson, city council candidate for District 28 and chief of staff to New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, to secure additional funding to combat illegal dumping in the BID. Illegal dumping has been a pressing quality-of-life issue for years for both commercial and residential residents of the BID.
In February, Brooks-Powers sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams’ office urging him to support the establishment of a Downtown Jamaica Neighborhood Task Force to address illegal dumping and the list of persistent quality of life issues plaguing Southeast Queens.
