Press Releases

For Immediate Release
September 19, 2023

Contacts:
Casey Berkovitz, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471

NEW YORK – Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today announced the first public meeting for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a community-led initiative to create a long-term vision for this part of Queens. Taking place at York College on Sept. 30 at 11 a.m., this open house and workshop will let New Yorkers learn about the current status of the neighborhood and offer their input on ways to create more housing, more jobs across many industries, improvements to public space, and investments in local infrastructure. RSVP here.

“As we start this collaborative process to create an even brighter future for Jamaica, we want to hear from our neighbors! From income-restricted homes to good-paying jobs, from improved open space to enhanced resiliency, it’s with the input of everyday New Yorkers that we’ll shape the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan to best meet the needs of this vital community,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. 

“Downtown Jamaica is a central commercial, residential, and transportation hub that is vital to the success of Southeast Queens and our entire city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan presents an opportunity for residents to help shape a long-term strategic vision for the area and yield much-needed investments that will benefit our community. I encourage all residents to engage in this critical process and attend the open house and workshop at York College on September 30. With the partnership of elected officials, city agencies, and the residents of Jamaica, we will achieve the progress and change that our community deserves.” 

“The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan represents a pivotal moment in our community's history, charting a course towards a more resilient and prosperous Jamaica. It envisions a future with increased housing options, diverse job opportunities, enhanced public spaces, and improved infrastructure, all while preserving our unique character. We recognize that the local community plays a vital role in shaping this vision, and their input is invaluable. I am thrilled to announce the first public meeting for this community-led initiative, a significant step towards realizing a better, more vibrant Jamaica that benefits us all,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. 

“I applaud DCP for bringing the community together for the first Jamaica Neighborhood Plan meeting,” said Council Member James F. Gennaro. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Jamaica residents to meet their neighbors and weigh in on the issues that matter the most. I encourage my constituents to come out, complete the survey, and make their voices heard.” 

“This upcoming open house is the next phase of our holistic, community-led effort to make Jamaica the premiere live, work, and play neighborhood in the city,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “We want to hear from the community about the best way to bring affordable housing, infrastructure investments, good jobs, open space, school seats, and more to Jamaica. The time is now to let your voice be heard in this planning process that will create a brighter future for this entire neighborhood.” 

“As the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan Open House and Workshop launch this month, I am pleased to see the wishes of the community featured at the forefront of critical initiatives to increase housing and jobs in the Downtown Jamaica area,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “I applaud my local government partners Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Member Nantasha Williams for their work to ensure the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan is focused around the needs and involvement of our area's residents and I thank the Department of City Planning's efforts, as they were ever present throughout this summer. I eagerly await the findings of the initiative.” 

“It is important for the entire community to be involved in decision-making. I encourage my constituents to take advantage of the Department of City Planning’s offer to educate themselves on the process and let their voices be heard,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. 

“I am excited to see the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan taking the next steps in holding a public meeting. Community input is vital for ensuring the best plan of action in continuing to move Jamaica in the right direction. I encourage members of the community to come out, speak up, and have their voices heard. I look forward to the continued partnership between the community members and the Department of City Planning (DCP) to advance the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan,” said Assembly Member David Weprin.  

During this meeting for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, the public will be able to learn more about the planning process, to join activities to shape the draft vision and goals for the neighborhood, and to find out how to stay involved as the plan moves forward. DCP will also share the results of this summer’s survey about New Yorkers’ experiences with and priorities for the area. The survey, which closed on Sept. 15, has garnered 1,128 responses. 

The event will start with an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where New Yorkers can visit different stations to learn about Jamaica’s existing conditions and more information that will help them contribute to planning conversations. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a family activity available for all ages that includes story time with books about neighborhood planning and an art activity to create collages of younger New Yorkers’ hopes for the future of Jamaica. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the meeting will switch to a workshop, where attendees can discuss with agency staff what they’d like to see in their community. Spanish and Bangla interpreters will be available. 

The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan will focus on a more-than-300-block area that includes Downtown Jamaica, adjacent transportation corridors, and nearby manufacturing districts. The area includes institutions and community assets like York College, Rufus King Park, and the Jamaica Rail Hub, which provides transit access to the rest of New York City and east to Long Island via the subway, Long Island Rail Road, and AirTrain. The study area also covers key pedestrian and commercial corridors, including Jamaica Avenue, Merrick Boulevard, Hillside Avenue, and Liberty Avenue. 

In partnership with Borough President Richards and Councilmember Williams, DCP will follow this month’s meeting with ongoing, extensive community outreach — including multiple workshops and open houses — alongside a steering committee with community, business, and faith leaders who will meet regularly. Additional workshops are expected to be scheduled for this fall. 

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Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.