10 The Courier sun • november 28 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com BOARD: NO HOTEL BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] Developers foresee a luxury hotel, but South Ozone Park residents fear a future homeless shelter. Community Board (CB) 12 shot down a proposal at its November meeting that would rezone a part of 135th Avenue to allow for a 13-story hotel to be built right near a residential neighborhood. The proposal is reminiscent of a previous hotelturned shelter in the area. The owner of a 337-room hotel went to the Department of Homeless Services, unbeknownst to the community, and turned the site into “one of the largest shelters in the state of New York,” but has since been shut down, said Yvonne Reddick, CB 12 District Manager. “It’s a lot for the community to swallow and it’s not easily forgotten,” she said. “I don’t think anyone can convince them, and rightfully so, that this wouldn’t happen again.” The new proposal, which the board unanimously rejected, puts the new high rise on 135th Avenue between 140th and 142nd Streets. CB 12 additionally said there are already a number of hotels in the area, and another one is simply unnecessary. Developers, however, think the addition could only benefit the community, and includes plans such as implementing a training program for area residents that will train them for management positions. They also plan to arrange a “strong agreement” with an operator such as Westin or Hyatt that could nix a shelter option. “We’re trying to make an investment in the property,” said Corey Bearak, co-council on the project. The planned hotel has a catering hall facility that can hold 300 people, a rooftop pool, restaurant and health club. But residents still remain “leery” of the plans. “You have all of these hotels, what happens if they become under-utilized,” Reddick said. Website celebrates Jamaica BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] The development of downtown Jamaica is no longer limited to new buildings and facilities. A website dedicated to revealing community art and neighborhood loyalty is making a buzz. Queens Royalty, the site launched earlier this year, came from “a desire to counteract some of the negative perception of downtown Jamaica,” said Felicia Tunnah, executive director at the Jamaica Center BID, the group that sponsored the project. “The idea is to celebrate the history but also celebrate the people who are here now and who are doing great things,” she said. The Jamaica-centric site features residents, the “unsung greats,” and their stories, as well as photos of both local celebrities and community members. It also focuses attention on iconic buildings throughout the neighborhood, such as the landmarked Jamaica High School. “They are our neighbors and loved ones, who always push forward and reach back. They are our elders and youth, who have experienced history and beckon the future,” the website’s description says. Brian Tate, creator and producer, wanted a heavy emphasis on the area’s youth. “Sometimes, the young people are seen as a problem. So I wanted to start there,” he said. Queens Royalty commissioned four acclaimed photographers – Barron Claiborne, Delphine Diaw Diallo, Russell Frederick, and Jamel Shabazz – to capture a mix of local artists, entrepreneurs, students, and families. Tate said he wanted to make these people “a part of the story, to shape what the story is and how that story is told.” To make the vision a reality, Tate and the BID partnered with Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, NYS Small Business Services, the Economic Development Corporation, Borough President Helen Marshaall, the 165th Street Mall and Sutphin THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes Creator Brian Tate launched the Queens Royalty website with the Jamaica Center BID, and member Melissa Hodge, to promote the culture of downtown Jamaica. Boulevard BID. “I think there’s a lot of love among the people in Jamaica,” Tate said. “It’s just having a vehicle for them to express that. It’s promoting a place from the inside out.” Tunnah said the website is “a place for people to share their own stories and really just to continue the dialogue and celebrate what’s happening here.” Visit www.queensroyalty.org to discover more and submit a story of your own. st A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OFF-BROADWAY of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place Knights Before Christmas By: April Baskin Friday, December 6, 2013 7:00pm Saturday, December 7, 2013 7:00pm Sunday, December 8, 2013 7:00 pm Jamaica Performing Arts Center 161-04 Jamaica Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 Info & Tickets at http://www.KnightsBeforeChristmas.com General Seating: $20.00
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