Peter TongJournal #1
I had traveled through Jamaica, Queens, New York just once before the summer of 09 and that was heading to JFK International Airport. The AirTrain, an express form of transportation in Queens and Brooklyn to JFK, has a stop located in the heart of downtown Jamaica. My actual experience, however, in Jamaica was just a fleeting moment as the transition from the Queens bound ‘E’ line was swift to the AirTrain Terminal. My real impression of Jamaica prior to the summer of 09 was based on generalized statistical information that it was a run-down poorer neighborhood and not somewhere you would want to get lost at night.
My internship at Greater Jamaica Development Corporation was a reality check that completely altered my narrow assumptions and ended up becoming a fantastic summer experience.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, the day after Memorial weekend, I boarded the ‘E’ line at Time Square, dressed on par with the fellow commuters. Dark dress pants, light recently dry-cleaned shirt and newspaper or blackberry in hand. As we travelled along 53rd Street, slowly the dressed up bankers exited the train through to 53rd and Lexington, the last stop before leaving Manhattan and entering Queens. As the train hit Queens, I no longer ‘fit’ in with the crowd in terms of dress code, jeans, graphic t-shirts and casual attire remained on board. What a transition, I thought, as I took a seat for the 45 minute commute in the now far emptier reverse commute train, and began to read the Wall Street Journal.
I discovered that downtown Jamaica has a median family household income of over $63,000 which is 23% higher than the rest of New York City. It is a major hub for the Long Island Railroad and has four subway lines. Also, the AirTrain passing through it which serves 214,000 passengers to and from Jamaica every day is quite impressive. The Jamaica Avenue corridor has a total weekday pedestrian count of over 85,000 which allows for a vibrant community rich in culture.
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, the firm of my internship, is a community based organization that looks to revitalize and support the area in three ways: development, infrastructure and business development. I was impressed by the depth and involvement that this organization had in the community and the impact in the micro and macro levels. Not only does it have plans to put jazz concerts and park movies throughout the summer, but it is instrumental in a 368 zoning block change.
When I first stepped into the office, I saw a gentleman filing through some mail. He looked up and saw me. He immediately came over with an open hand and a warm smile. It was Carlisle Towery, the President. I was confident this would be a great experience and was looking forward to contributing my skill sets toward this great mission.
Journal #2
I am in the middle of the 10 week internship and am continuously amazed at the involvement the organization has on the Jamaica community.
On the development side, I have been tasked with projects that involve bringing student housing for nearby universities, such as York, as well as looking at a $27 million dollar site that is slated to attract a large corporation to move offices there. Since Jamaica has such a strong transportation selling point with its hub for the LIRR and the connection to the JFK airport, there are not only large incentives to build hotels to target the airline travelers, but also corporate offices for the airlines themselves.
On the infrastructure side, I am beginning to help in writing grant applications for state funding for multi-million dollar projects to improve the traffic flow and open space within the community. The mission is to create an enhanced pedestrian friendly community and an eye-catching new face to Jamaica through its downtown.
On the business development side I am working on a presentation to target corporations to participate in the revolving loan fund that is a match with the Economic Development Agency (EDA) grant. These loans are targeted for small businesses in the community that strive to grow as well as retain and create new jobs. Despite the economic downturn, there are small businesses that are thriving and in need of funding to grow.
Over lunches, I would eat at the Jamaica Market which is owned and operated by one of GJDC’s arms. This haven of ethnic cuisines provides an array of tasty meals that include goat curry, which is a real treat. There is a constant buzz in this food market as it draws residents and members of the workforce from all parts of Jamaica, as well as providing a location for local farmers to sell their products every Friday and Saturday. It is a true center point for community activity and a key piece in GJDC’s revitalization mission.
In the summer, GJDC also setup big jazz bands to play two slots during the lunch period for the community to watch and listen for free. I spent several afternoon lunches listening to the fantastic performances and I cannot imagine another location in New York that provides such as unique service.
I have learned that one of the key goals for GJDC in revitalizing the Jamaica neighborhood is to increase the number of parking garages. GJDC currently runs five parking garages and open lots. The reason behind increasing the available parking is that although Jamaica is a hub for transportation all over NY, it has limited public transportation within the Jamaica region. Since the increase in parking garages within Jamaica, which is the staple of GJDC’s revitalization strategy, the small businesses have thrived greatly from vibrant economic activity.
Journal #3
The ten weeks have raced by.
It’s hard to believe I just had my last day at GJDC and was greatly amazed at the warm send-off by a large proportion of the employees taking me out to lunch—a final ‘hoorah’ to the summer. There is a rich diversity in the GJDC staff, and a broad range of experience and skill sets in one company. It is truly remarkably run and conducts business in a high level of structure and organization.
It’s incredible to see the success that GJDC has had with broad strokes in positively impacting the community in the environment, infrastructure, social ‘quality of life’ and the support of local businesses. I feel very fortunate to have been able to contribute to a great mission-orientated firm. It’s amazing how much my view of Jamaica has grown through an understanding of the vibrancy of the culture and community.
The one area that strikes a nerve in me is the hindrance of a faster growth within Jamaica. It is very apparent that Jamaica is a ‘tough sell’ to draw larger corporations and national retail brands to bring stores to the area. There is a maintained level of uncertainty of the unknown held from ‘outsiders’ and the lack of diversity in demographics within the community which further contributes to the hesitancy. Jamaica is a ‘tough sell’ but GJDC is moving with a compassionate aggression in turning this area to a desirable spot to be a business owner, a resident and an employee. I know that after having worked there for 10 weeks, I am definitely sold on this being a great place to work and invest my future.
