Jamaica Center

 

 


Programs & services

 

CLEAN STREETS

Last year, the BID's sanitation crew logged 17,000 hours and removed 1,500 tons of litter from Jamaica Avenue - that's 4 tons of garbage every day.

Supplemental Sanitation

The BID Sanitation Crew is responsible for keeping 30 blocks clean and litter-free. Starting at 7 am, 7 days per week, the crew provides supplemental sanitation services - sweeping the sidewalks and removing garbage. Throughout the day, bagged trash is picked up and taken to a NYC Department of Sanitation site.

Maintenance

One of our primary goals in maintaining the appearance of Jamaica Center is keeping the area free of graffiti vandals. Partially due to the BID's prompt removal of any graffiti in the district, incidents of graffiti have decreased significantly.

The sanitation crew continuously removes posters, stickers, and signs from the more than 100 streetlights, parking meters, kiosks, mailboxes and fireboxes throughout the district. 

Every other year, the BID removes the gum deposits from the brick sidewalks. On alternate years, the BID has the sidewalks power washed. Power washing and gum removal are labor intensive, but well worth the time when the task is completed and the bricks look like new. The sidewalks are also cleared of snow by the maintenance crew in inclement weather.

 

MARKETING & PROMOTION

Last year, the BID distributed 52,000 shopping bags and 5,000 Map & Guides, and hosted 33 special events.

Ambassador Program

Every Saturday from March until December, our Ambassador meet shoppers visiting from as far away as Michigan and South Carolina to shop on 'The Avenue'. The Ambassador greeter distributes our signature shopping bags, Map & Guide, and packets of annual flower seeds thanking our shoppers for patronizing our stores. In addition to the giveaways, our Ambassador gives directions, provides general information, and most importantly, greets everyone with a warm smile.

Shopper's Map & Guide

The BID prints a Jamaica Center Map & Guide, which last year it distributed more than 5,000. The Map & Guides highlight the district's stores and points of interest in the area. Along with the Guides, the BID gave away 52,000 Jamaica Center "It's In The Bag" shopping bags. Their distinctive color, size and design make them easily identifiable and are a "hot item" on the Avenue.

Sidewalk Sales Days

Throughout the year, the BID schedules Sidewalk Sales Days to allow our merchants to display merchandise outside their stores. Sales Days give BID merchants the opportunity to attract new shoppers and generate additional sales. This year, the BID added an additional weekend to it Sidewalk Sales Days 2009 calendar. Check "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.

Santa Land

During the month leading up to Christmas, Santa Claus visits Jamaica Avenue to hear Christmas wishes, and have his photo taken with children and their families. Thursday through Sunday at the Jamaica Multiplex ground floor lobby from 12pm-6pm. Located on Jamaica Avenue at Parsons Blvd. Check "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.

Walking Tours

Launched in 2000, the Walking Tours offer special insight to Jamaica's secrets and are a wonderful opportunity to discover the area's rich history. One of the earliest settlements in New York, Jamaica boasts churches and cemeteries centuries old. Stops include private entrance to arguably New York’s grandest theater meticulously restored, and the Illinois Jacquet Chapel at Prospect Cemetery.

The BID works collaboratively with local organizations to gain access to special sites. All tours are FREE. See "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.

Banner Program

The BID has 52 banners that run along Jamaica Avenue from Sutphin Blvd to 169th Street. The banners are seasonal in theme and changed four times a year. The banners beautify and create a cohesive and unified look for the district.

Holiday Lights Program

Every year during the Fall/Winter holiday season, the BID installs holiday lights along Jamaica Avenue & Union Hall Street. In 2008, the BID updated its holiday lighting program, adding new streamer lights, three giant snowflakes and two 'Welcome to Jamaica Center' signs.

Advertising

The BID actively advertises and promotes Jamaica Center via direct mailing, radio and print advertising, and public relations efforts. The BID has partnered with other local organizations to promote the district's retail & cultural attractions.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

District Advocacy

The BID is an active and powerful advocate for the district. One success for the BID has been the successful push for the replacement of the district's outdated and dilapidated light poles. The poles are expected to be replaced in late 2009/early 2010.

Business Assistance & Retail Development

Retail is Jamaica Avenue's core business. The BID works one-on-one to provide business assistance to current merchants and hosts events specially targeted toward helping our business community. Whether it's helping independent owners find small business loans, soliciting input on group marketing initiatives, or assisting with city services or agency issues, the BID is there to help.

In addition, the BID works to educate the retail community and highlight opportunities in the district by working on retail marketing materials for the district, maintaining a vacancy list, and providing demographic and statistical data of the district and the community.

Community Development

The BID is a strong supporter of many local community organizations.

For youth development, the BID supports the Midori Foundation for special music programs for children, is a strong supporter of Jamaica Kids (a non-profit day care center located in the Joseph P. Addabbo Social Security Building), and donates to the King Manor Museum's educational and cultural programs.

We continue to support the 103rd Community Council's National Night Out and Children's Holiday Party, and contribute to local soup kitchens during the holiday season. 

 


 

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Last year, the BID's sanitation crew removed 1,500 tons of garbage from Jamaica Avenue and Union Hall St.