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Mostly Cloudy Revving up the airport’s economic engine
Greater JFK Business Improvement District approved by New York City lawmakers
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation to establish the Greater JFK Business Improvement District to form a new public-private partnership in Southeast Queens around John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Greater JFK Business Improvement District’s (BID) formation is aimed at strengthening the economic competitiveness of the airport, and have area residents and businesses partner to ultimately improve the quality of life and develop a prosperous workforce. The airport employs approximately 69,000 people totaling $4.1 billion in annual wages, city officials said.
“I commend the formation of the Greater JFK Business Improvement District, which will help enhance commerce closely associated with John F. Kennedy International Airport,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) said in a prepared statement. “This newly formed BID will bring together the best minds in the public and private sectors towards one goal: ensuring the positive development of our beloved community.”
The district encompasses more than 500 properties in the Springfield Gardens section of Queens. Cargo businesses and industrial warehouses characterize the neighborhood, with approximately 150 single-family homes.
The Department of Small Business Services, which seeks out economic opportunities throughout the five boroughs, was also involved in the creation of the district. It is the 73rd BID in New York City, which is home to the largest network of such groups in the U.S. Business improvement districts are typically a group of businesses and landlords, who, in collaboration with a municipality, fund maintenance, improvements and development of a commercial area.
“The Greater JFK BID seeks to build upon the area’s diversity and major economic significance by serving as an advocate and providing supplemental services and improvements that support a vision for a strong industrial base and improved quality of life for all who live, work or visit the district,” City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) said, in the media release.
Improved advocacy, neighborhood coordination, marketing, networking, as well as enhanced public safety and maintenance services are all expected to come from the Greater JFK BID. It will provide an outlet for open communication between local residents, policy makers and business owners in the area.
The Greater JFK BID will work with the New York City Department of Sanitation to ensure the district’s upkeep with issues such as snow removal. Coordination for district-wide traffic, transportation, parking and building improvements is also expected to improve as a result of the formation of this district.
“JFK Airport is an economic engine for Queens and supports tens of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers,” de Blasio said in the release. “That is why I am proud to support the new Greater JFK BID that will empower community leaders to organize and fight for the unique needs of this community.”
