Upcoming Dates of Note
Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
 
Monday, May 27
  • Memorial Day
What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Spring Cleaning on The Ave!

Our BID's Streetplus team is doing a little spring cleaning throughout Jamaica Avenue this month by painting our green sign poles and bus stop poles! They'll be power washing especially filthy spots later this month. We are appreciative of their hard work!
SAVE THE DATE! Jamaica Avenue Weekend Walks

Weekend Walks comes to Downtown Jamaica for the first time ever! On Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, August 17 on Jamaica Avenue (Parsons to 162nd Street) we'll enliven the street with games and activities for kids and families.

Slated Activities will include musical performances, life-sized games, a mini golf course, dance classes, kids’ corner (including hands-on science and reading activities via the Uni Project), community vendors and plenty of movable tables and chairs for lingering.

Stay tuned for more information on this exiting event for the community!
New Public Art Installation by José Carlos Casado at Rufus King Park in Queens Through April 2020

ArtSite awardee José Carlos Casado’s ( @Casadoart )new sculptural installation “Community: You never really know your own language until you study another” is now on view through April 2020 at Rufus King Park in Downtown Jamaica.

José Carlos Casado’s ArtSite installation represents traditional protest posters made for different public manifestations. Where protest signs normally reflect someone’s opinion on a matter, Casado’s sculptures become unique portraits of people from within the community.
Know Your Rights Workshop

Legal Hand Jamaica and Queens Legal Service invites you to know-your-rights workshops on Wednesdays at Legal Hand Jamaica. These workshops address pressing issues that community residents face.

Shooter

Presented by Queens Council on the Arts ACP Jamaica Awardee Y? Guyadin invites all to join his creative team for open runs of his in-progress project, Shooter, an experimental theater project in which participants confront the complex power dynamics between victim and perpetrator, role-playing as the “shooter” or the “shot” in an incident of gun violence. 

You're invited to be part of the artist's creative process.

The AirTrain Jazz Festival With Libby Richman & Co.

The AirTrain Jazz Festival series continues this week with Libby Richman & Co. on the AirTrain Jamaica stage. Celebrate Jamaica’s rich jazz history and check out live presentations of some of the New York City metropolitan area’s best jazz musicians.

The Jamaica Ball 2019: The 8th Annual Party With a Purpose

It’s time for The Jamaica Ball 2019: The 8th Annual Party With a Purpose!

The Jamaica Ball is another opportunity to dance, eat, drink, be merry, and raise money for Jamaica-based non-profits. Get tickets below!

Remembering You, Remembering Us

Public Health Solutions is offering a virtual support group for parents and families who are mourning the loss of a
pregnancy or a child. The groups are offered bi-weekly and give individuals an opportunity to receive emotional support from the convenience of one's home. ALL GROUPS ARE FREE.

You can join virtually by calling 646-878-9084; then enter PIN: 42220

Learn About the 2020 Queens Arts Fund

The Queens Arts Fund (QAF) is a project-based grant open to Queens-based non-profit organizations, collectives and individual artists of all disciplines.
Applications will open in June, so in preparation QCA invites you to a information session to learn about program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and go over a sample application!

Grants are $3,000 for individuals and between $1,000-$5,000 for organizations
Street/Sidewalk Obstruction Complaint

Report an illegally placed box, barrel, bale of merchandise, or other movable property placed by a business or residence on a street or sidewalk to DSNY . Find out more below.
News from NYC DOT

NYC DOT will implement measures to improve traffic operations on Sutphin Blvd between Jamaica Avenue and 95th Avenue. Implementation begins early May.

District Deals
Jamaica Center BID Value Card

Sign up for our Value Card and we'll send you a digital version of the card to use in participating stores on Jamaica Avenue.

We're adding new stores weekly! Below are the updated stores that are accepting the Value Card with 10% discounts! Check them out when you're out and about on.



Jamaica Center BID businesses: Have a district deal you want to share with over 3,000 people? Send it to us, and we'll post it in our newsletter! Email us below!
Raymour & Flanigan

  • Memorial Day Weekend
  • Up to 24% off sectionals
Shoppers World

  • Text SHOPW to 31996 and receive 10% off any single regular priced item
  • One Time Discount Only
  • MSG&Data rates may apply

Cricket Wireless

  • Get 4 Lines of Unlimited Data for for $100/mo.
  • Rate Plans included:
  • Unlimited Extra for $60/mo.
  • Unlimited for $55/mo.
  • 5GB for $40/mo.
  • 2GB for $30 mo.

  • Get $200 off the Samsung Galaxy S10 when your switch to Cricket

Downtown Jamaica Business Resources
Jamaica Center BID Banner Program

Calling all businesses! Participate in our banner program and promote your brand throughout Downtown Jamaica! This September new banners will be raised throughout Jamaica Avenue. Contact the BID to learn more!
NYC Small Business Services can Help You Start, Operate, and Grow Your Business

Are you opening a new business? Are you having a hard time getting necessary permits and licenses? Do you need help navigating a new lease? SBS has all kinds of services to help:





Restaurant Loan Program

Jamaica Center BID's recent Commercial District Needs Assessment identified that local residents and workers want more restaurants in the neighborhood. Now is an opportune time to open a restaurant: Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is looking to help restaurant entrepreneurs open restaurants in Downtown Jamaica with a loan program offering up to $150,000! Learn more and apply below.
Downtown Jamaica Leasing Opportunities
Jamaica Avenue Retail Opportunity

Located at the northeast corner of 162nd Street.


  • Heavy foot traffic

  • In the heart of Downtown Jamaica

  • Located on the #1 retail corridor in Queens

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
Jamaica Avenue Retail Opportunity

Located at the northeast corner of Merrick Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue.


  • Heart of Downtown Jamaica shopping

  • Heavy foot traffic

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
Jamaica Avenue Prime Commercial Office Space for Lease

Prime commercial office space for lease on Jamaica Avenue!


  • Turn key space located on Jamaica Avenue

  • Heavy foot traffic in the heart of Downtown Jamaica

  • Steps away from five bus lines and three subway lines. Accessible via LIRR and Airtrain
About Business and Event Promotions in this Newsletter : Businesses located in the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District between Sutphin Blvd and 169th Street are invited to submit promotional information for possible inclusion in our newsletter. Events happening near or around the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District are also included. We reserve the right to reject or edit materials for length, style, timeliness, and appropriateness. This newsletter serves to inform our community about events, opportunities and commercial activity in Downtown Jamaica.