Jamaica Retail Project Advances

JAMAICA, NY-The redevelopment of downtown Jamaica is advancing with a project to rehabilitate an underpass along Sutphin Boulevard into retail space. Groundbreaking on the project took place last Wednesday, and a spokesman for the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. tells GlobeSt.com, bids are under review for a prime contractor on the $10-million rehabilitation.

The future retail space is located across from the AirTrain/Long Island Rail Road Jamaica Station entrance. Site preparation work is under way, with construction scheduled to start in early 2009, says the GJDC spokesman.

The underpass rehabilitation will add overhead lighting, storefronts and a new sidewalk and roadbed, according to a release. The retail spaces will cater to 300,000-plus commuters who use the station daily with convenience stores and food vendors. GJDC will oversee leasing activity, with the goal of accommodating local qualified entrepreneurs. Finally, bus stops will be made safer for riders by widening the loading zones and making signage more visible, the release states.