Jackson Heights Life

I am very happy to hear this news. And I'm sure many others will be too.

It was a scary thought that the building might have been ripped down, and an entire block of our neighborhood might have become who knows what.

I hope to see our familiar shops return and some exciting new ones to replace what was empty. This could also be a good opportunity for a gym to replace Plaza Business School.

agreed on all counts. i wasn't familiar with the layouts of the upper floors...did Plaza have a whole floor that could be used for that purpose? that would be a nice addition.

Plaza used to occupy the entire basement and second floor, and part of the 3rd and 4th floors.  They won't be back, though.  Moved to Forest Hills.  So...plenty of room for NYSC to move in!

maybe they can get a dunkin' donuts or a subway. those are hard to find. or a duane reade. better yet, TWO more duane reades,

Letter writing campaign to the owners and broker. Involve local politicians. Shame the assholes that want to straight up homogenize this neighborhood.

My letter is written and in the mail!

I was just telling my husband that I bet they will open a bank and chicken joint. I personally would like a chipotle.  I guess it boils down to whomever can pay the high rents. so sad.. 

Think of the possibilities for the neighborhood.
All of this vacant, raw space can have a very positive impact on eveyone's quality of life.
The ground floor could house an extension of Elmhurst's or Mt Sinai's clinics.  Maybe a small drop-in center to help clean up Diversity plaza and the subway station.
The upper floors used to house several social service/mental health programs scattered all over the place.  Maybe they could be brought together in one place so that if someone is looking for help or information it's there.  Perhaps offices for housing rights advocates, domestic violence/abuse counselors, immigration/workers rights.  Not-for-profit ESL classes that don't rip off the students and actually teach them something.

Think about it.  Would you rather be known as the neighborhood that helped it's own or the "more craft beer" neighborhood?

Write to the owners.  Tell them you care about this neighborhood.  You'd rather see a happier/healthier Jackson Heights than use an ATM or have a burrito.

There is no perfect world.

The owner's are going to do what they're going to do.  It's hard to pass those easy bucks by.  Unless it's worth your while.

I know that zoning variances and tax breaks are given to construction that includes community space.  I'm sure that if their attorneys got together with Drumm's office and city planning/buildings something could be worked out.

All you need is the incentive.

You should write to your electeds and tell them to step up and represent the community and not just pose for bad pictures.