Jamaica
Jamaica has the largest African-American community in the borough. It is also home to JFK International Airport. The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning and Cultural Collaborative Jamaica both offer classes and organize programs and community events. You can also enjoy shopping down Pedestrian Mall at 165th St. for jewelry, sneakers, urban health and beauty products and hip-hop fashion.
Located in the geographic center of Queens in Community District 12, Jamaica is a major transportation hub servicing well over 100,000 commuters daily. Jamaica's residents are predominantly African-American, as well as West Indian, South Asian and Central American immigrants. Jamaica has experienced significant economic growth since the 1970s. Jamaica has been regaining its importance in the region as an office hub whose development has been fueled by several public sector facilities.
There is a significant local small business core and new retail development in the area. Jamaica has four Business Improvement Districts that support commercial corridors in Downtown Jamaica: the 165st Street Mall BID, 180th St. BID, Jamaica Center BID, and Sutphin Boulevard BID.
Local Organizations
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
GJDC is a community-building organization that plans, promotes, coordinates and advances responsible development to revitalize Jamaica and strengthen the region.
Small Business Services - Workforce1 Career Center
Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District
Serving approximately 135 businesses, 56 properties and 39 property owners, Sutphin Blvd BID serves as a catalyst for economic revitalization along Sutphin Boulevard and was established to make the area clean and safe. The BID provides supplemental services, marketing/promotion of the area, advocacy for the interests of the local businesses, gather and distribute information to boost economic development and enhance neighborhood qualift of life for local businesses and residents.
Jamaica Center Business Improvement District
The Jamaica Center BID is a non-profit entity funded by special assessments paid by the property owners. The Business Improvement District provides supplemental services to the district: sanitation, litter and graffiti removal, maintenance of sidewalk brick pavers; pruning and watering of trees; promotion and marketing through a variety of initiatives; and acts as an advocate on behalf of this urban downtown in the heart of Queens.
Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York
Cultural Collaborative Jamaica
Downtown Jamaica Cultural District
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
Queens Air Services Development Office