Op-ed | Building a brighter future: The promise of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan

As the heartbeat of Queens, Jamaica holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of its residents. It’s a vibrant community with a rich cultural tapestry, bustling streets and a unique identity. Like any urban center, Jamaica faces its share of challenges, but there are brighter days ahead thanks to the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan — both a blueprint for development and a catalyst for positive, transformative change.

The roots of this commitment to Jamaica run deep, as evidenced by the personal connections of us three. We all grew up on Jamaica Ave and remember visiting the Coliseum block after school during our high school years, and even over the decades, it has remained a constant gathering place for our youth. Our fond memories of the area reflect a genuine dedication to preserving and enhancing the community we call home.