Jamaica is more than just alive. It is the heart and spirit of queens-a society with a rich, multicultural and dynamic heritage born from people from all backgrounds that live side by side. But recently, Jamaica has been challenged with a few housing options, high rents, and displacement pressure, which prompted many to ask whether they have a future in this city. We are in a state of residential emergency. It needs to respond to emergency situations.
Today, the New York City Council is studying a tidal transformation plan. the Jamaica neighborhood plan Our urban scene will turn to help our societal and spiritual scene well. He expects Jamaica where someone can live in an affordable apartment, the elderly can in place, and New York residents can feel all income.
As a measure The first sheikh church And the co -chair Queens AuthorityShe participated in thousands of meetings via Queens. Wherever I go, I hear from people who fight desperate to find a place to live in. Workers who keep New York City running hanging from their nails or are forced completely out.
I met the bus operator. He told me: “It seems good enough to work in New York City, but not to live in New York City.” This man grew up in Queens and wants to stay in Queens, but he feels that his city has turned his back. His story cannot be a continuous fact. We must build homes that New York residents need – and this is what the Jamaica neighborhood plan will do.
In an area where buildings with a market rate today rise without any ability to bear costs, this plan will require any new buildings with housing also homes with permanently intermittent smokes. The 230 blocs covered by this policy will be the largest of this is the largest ever in New York City.
The result? More than 12,000 new homes, of which about 4000 will be at permanently affordable. This means that about 10,000 of our brothers and sisters can be able to reach new or moderate apartments. And more than just rents – this plan includes ownership opportunities for affordable prices, giving more people a way to a dream of owning a house. This model shift will help the New York residents, their children and children stay in the neighborhood they have helped build.
But this plan must include houses at reasonable prices for our low -income neighbors. They are people who struggle more than others and need stability that these homes provide. Jamaica cannot turn into the center of Brooklyn. We need affordable rental rents for a wide range of New York employees.
These new homes should be accompanied by investments in the quality of life as well. For a long time, Jamaica has faced raw floods, which is one of the continuous inequality symptoms we face. The current situation cannot follow up. Our area also needs more open space away from our crowded streets.
Fortunately, this plan will finance $ 300 million in the sewage system promotions, in addition to $ 2.6 billion, already committed to improving drainage in southeastern Queens. With Jamaica on the front lines of the battle against climate change, this investment will make our home more flexible. Our new public community, near Jamaica station, will make our community more welcome.
The Jamaica neighborhood plan can make a real and positive difference. This is what happens when we meet together to defend the homes we deserve. It is the result of hard work by our families, friends, gatherings, civilian leaders, the elderly and more. This housing plan is not theory. It is necessary for them to stay in the neighborhood they love.
Our elected officials, City Council President Adrian Adams and council member Nantasha Williams, always put Jamaica in the first place. This plan will ensure that society is not left in housing emergency situations in our city. But this proposal cannot sit on the shelf. We must act and get drivers on the ground in the near future, not contracts from now.
If we are able to land on this plane and provide homes, jobs and infrastructure at reasonable prices to the New York residents from all aspects of life, we will succeed in renewing our society and helping it to stay a jewel in New York City. We call on our leaders to vote enthusiastically for this plan and for the best Jamaica that works for everyone.
Okonor It is the main priest of the first sheikh’s church in Jamaica and co -chair of Queens Power, a community organization group fighting to create affordable housing.