Airport Village

Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, the 21st century Robert Moses, wants to create a mixed-used hub of economic activity and residential space near JFK Airport. This area, part of Jamaica, Queens, would be re-zoned so that the new buildings would remain "in character" with the area but would also provide it with new hotels, office space, retail stores, and six to seven floor apartment buildings. It will, the plan goes, revitalize this part of the city.

Mr NYC endorses this plan. While developers are no doubt licking their lips, this is a good plan because it does not contribute to over development. Quite the opposite - it develops an undeveloped part of this city. In some parts of this city (in Manhattan mostly, but also that looming boondoggle called Atlantic Yards), you see development on top of development - buildings that are way too big, commercial space people can't afford or use - and much of it changes the character of the neighborhoods. However, this plan re-vitalizes a much neglected part of the city and brings jobs and life to it.

Here's the really good thing about it: a lot of people live out in Queens and the new jobs this will create will mean new jobs for people closer to home. That would mean shorter commutes and more time that people could spend with their families. I've always thought that since 6 1/2 million live outside of Manhattan, it only makes sense that jobs come to the people in the outer boroughs instead of forcing them to come to Manhattan to the jobs. Not that there aren't lots of jobs in the outer boroughs but the more, the better.

Thanks Dan.