Jamaica Community Leaders Recognize Downtown Development

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation honored Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton and the architecture firms GF55 Partners. Photo via GJDC.

By David Brand

Queens Daily Eagle

The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) celebrated 50 years of community development at their annual celebration on Nov. 15.

At the event, the GJDC honored Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton and GF55 Partners, a New York City architecture firm.

Cotton has led the PANYNJ for little more than a year and introduced the $32.3 billion 2017-2026 Capital Plan that will overhaul of LaGuardia Airport and Kennedy Airport and improve infrastructure in the area.

The GJDC recognized GF55 Partners for designing several features of the Downtown Jamaica landscape. GF55 designed the Hilton Garden Inn, Alvista Towers, Tree of Life and Norman Towers.

“There are very exciting changes coming to Downtown Jamaica,” said GJDC President and CEO Hope Knight. “We are thrilled to recognize the progress occurring in our district thanks to our partners in government and the private sector, as well area stakeholders, and funders. GJDC has partnered with the best of the best; two of which are honorees at our gala.”

According to the GJDC, Jamaica has received more than $1 billion in public and private investments over the past 10 years. More than 4,800 new residential units and 2,200 hotel rooms are set to open in the next two years.