Last year, the city launched the Jamaica Now Action Plan to revitalize the neighborhood and boost the local economy. NY1's Clodagh McGowan has more on how the initiative is developing.
Jamaica is already home to a bustling transportation and shopping hub. Now, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Borough President Melinda Katz want to revitalize the overall community too.
Last April, they unveiled an ambitious $153 million plan to invest in the neighborhood's infrastructure.
"The Jamaica Now Action Plan is a very innovative initiative, workforce development initiative for the Jamaica area. And it's holistic in its design to make sure we make smart growth as well as improve the livability of Jamaica," said Nakita Vanstory, the communication chair for the Jamaica Now Leadership Council.
The Jamaica Now Action Plan's Leadership Council is a group of community stakeholders working together to ensure the plan fulfills its mission.
"People from the community are invited to be a part of this council. Business owners, providers, different people. So everyone has a little bit of say about how everything is rolled out," Vanstory said.
So far, the action plan lists 26 initiatives like improving transportation and housing options, as well as creating jobs and attracting new businesses the area.
"We have workforce development going on to make sure that we are creating jobs in the community and with the community as well. So both employers and employees, and that's an exciting part," Katz said.
Sixteen of the 26 initiatives are set to go into effect within the next three years. Officials say Jamaica will be the first neighborhood in Queens to get free public Wi-Fi this spring.
"We are very excited about that. It will literally be a game-changer," Katz said.
Residents NY1 spoke with are happy to learn of the developments and have some suggestions of their own.
"We need our subway beautified and cleaned up a little so that people feel comfortable coming here to shop," said Terry Robinson, a Hollis resident.
"They could add a little more restaurants too, you know," said Antwan Chisolm, a Jamaica resident.
If you'd like to follow the developments, head to queensbp.org/jamaica.