Sanders Joins Gov in Announcing $10 Million for Jamaica Revitalization

August 18, 2016

Senator Sanders (third from left) accompanies Governor Cuomo as he presents a check for $10M for the revitalization of Jamaica. They are joined by Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, City Council Member Rubin Wills, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, City Council Member I. Daneek Miller and Assembly Member David Weprin.

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) and his colleagues in government on Wednesday joined Governor Cuomo as he announced $10 million in funding for the revitalization of Downtown Jamaica.

“This is a great day for this community,” Sanders said. “Jamaica is a jewel of Queens and now it will have a chance to truly shine. As we plan together, we must be mindful that stimulating economic development in the downtown area may cause gentrification, an unintended consequence for which we must be prepared."

Downtown Jamaica was selected as the winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in New York City, a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming local neighborhoods into vibrant communities. It also aims to create new opportunities for long-term growth and prosperity. The selection process was a competitive one conducted by the state’s New York City Regional Economic Development Council.

The funding will include up to $300,000 for experts to draft a Strategic Investment Plan with local stakeholders. They are tasked to identify specific economic development, transportation and housing projects. The grant is part of a $100 million effort to improve the vitality of urban centers across the state.

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