November 19, 2008

Congressman Gregory Meeks Applauds Greater Jamaica Development Corporation for New Revitalization Project

(JAMAICA, NY)–Congressman Gregory Meeks applauds the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation for starting phase one of their revitalization project that will help to transform downtown Jamaica. The project is divided into three phases with the first phase that will demolish a series of garbage loading docks into retail space that will help to provide a much needed economic boost for the sixth Congressional district.

Congressman Gregory Meeks secured funding from the FTA for the project in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, Councilman Thomas White and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook. This project was created to provide three million square feet of new office, retail and hotel space, 9,500 jobs and 5,200 new units of housing while protecting the area’s lower scale residential blocks. 

All three phases of the project are estimated to total $98 million that will help to revitalize downtown Jamaica. While phase one is underway, phase two is estimated to start in 2010 and phase three to start in 2011. Phase two of the project will extend Atlantic Avenue to connect with 95th Avenue to improve access to the AirTrain/LIRR Station from the Van Wyck Expressway.  This will also create a small park. The third phase, which is Station Plaza, will realign the intersection of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard to help decrease traffic and pedestrian conflicts as well as enhance the streetscape environment.

“I am greatly pleased with the progress of the revitalization project in Downtown Jamaica. One of my greatest concerns has been to making sure that the Sixth Congressional District receives new growth and development.  The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation has taken progressive steps to create new jobs, housing, retail and office space that will benefit citizens in my district and throughout New York as well as be an essential boost to our economy.  I am confident that the current transformation that Downtown Jamaica is undergoing will be a great asset to the constituents of New York and be a positive step for the greater financial future of the Sixth Congressional District,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.

Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.  Meeks is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Caucus and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC).  He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus. 

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