What's Happening This Week in
Downtown Jamaica
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar

It’s almost open! In just a few weeks anyone craving New Orleans-style seafood will be able to get their fill when Hook & Reel opens on the Ave ( 161-21 Jamaica Avenue ). We’re so excited to welcome this new dining establishment to the neighborhood; Hook and Reel will provide a spot for patrons looking for late night eats and drinks on the Avenue (along with a lunch menu too). Po-boys, King crab, sausage, sweet potato fries, hush puppies, clam chowder are just a few of the tantalizing options we saw while perusing the online menu, not to mention the extensive drink section. We hope you’ll support this newcomer, along with all of Jamaica Avenue’s businesses. Once open, Hook & Reel's operating hours will be Sunday - Thursday from 12 - 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday from 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
And speaking of Jamaica Avenue businesses, in case you missed it in last week’s newsletter, check out the “ I Love Jamaica Ave” decals we posted on dozens of stores downtown earlier this month . “I Love Jamaica Avenue” is one of the BID’s many marketing initiatives designed to encourage foot traffic to, and support of, our downtown business community. Readers: what Jamaica Avenue businesses do YOU love? Send us a selfie here at one of the businesses in our BID district (Jamaica Avenue) from Sutphin Boulevard to 169th Street, and we might just send you your very own “I Love Jamaica Avenue” mug and a reusable shopping tote. 
Have You Picked Up Your Guide?

Don't forget you can access our new winter event guide on our website under the "Seasonal Events Guide" section , download it below, or you can pick one up throughout Jamaica Avenue over the next couple of months to find out what's happening. Copies are currently available at local retailers , King Manor Museum , Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning and the Jamaica Market .
QueensUnderground718.com's International Black History Film Fest!

Another friendly reminder that the Jamaica Center BID is proud to sponso r QueensUnderground718.com's International Black History Month Film Fest Tomorrow, Saturday, February 22 ! Guest tickets include a Red Carpet Film Fest with movies, poetry, music, live entertainment, community awards, vendors, food, cocktails/mocktails and raffle with prizes. Stop by and say hello to our very own Fred Green (Operations Manager) who will be there with BID materials.

Black History Month Celebration

Celebrate Black History Month 2020 with New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Councilmembers I.Daneek Miller , Ydanis Rodriguez and the Black, Latin and Asian Caucus at City Hall.

Boost Mobile - Shoot For A Million Dollars

Join the folks at the Boost Mobile 160-05 Jamaica Avenue location for a family-friendly day of food, fun and games. Plus register to win the mystery giveaway of a lifetime. 

The AirTrain Jazz Festival with Camille Gainer

The AirTrain Jazz Festival series continues next week with Camille Gainer on the AirTrain Jamaica stage. 

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.

Below are the stores that are accepting the Value Card with 10% discounts! Check them out when you're out and about.



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

  • Save up to 30% on Living Rooms
 
Downtown Jamaica Business Resources
Downtown Jamaica 2020 Census and Business


  • How are businesses impacted by the Census?

  • How can businesses play a vital role in creating a fair and accurate Census Count for New York City?
Join us for a morning of networking, breakfast, and information to engage and inspire you to participate in the 2020 Census in a way that is meaningful for your business and your community! 

Investors Bank Kicks-Off New Year with Competition for Small Businesses

Investors Bank is committed to helping businesses grow and support those that share their key ideals of creativity, competitiveness and community.

The Investors Bank Movers & Shakers Small Business Competition was created to celebrate businesses that share these ideals. From ten finalists, two grand prize winners will be named and awarded prizes valued at over $100,000 .

  • Who may enter: Businesses with revenues between $2MM and $20MM with 100 employees or fewer, and headquartered or doing a majority of operations in the NY/NJ Metro area.

  • How to enter: Applicants must submit a short statement of up to 1,000 words describing how their business aligns with the Investors Bank key ideals of creativity, competitiveness and community. For complete rules and regulations click here.
Entries must be received by 2/28/2020
NYC Plastic Ban: BEGINS MARCH 1, 2020

Starting March 1, 2020 , single-use plastic bags are banned, with limited exceptions, in New York State. In addition, businesses must collect a five-cent fee on paper carryout bags in New York City. NOTE: This fee will not apply to any customers using SNAP or WIC. If you're a business, learn how to implement this new law below.
New Business Regulations

Certain businesses are required to separate their organic waste, such as food scraps, for beneficial use in New York City. These requirements were recently expanded to include additional food service establishments, retail food stores, food prep locations, catering establishments, and temporary public events.
Storefront Registration Requirements for Property Owners

A new law requires that property owners of ground floor or second floor commercial premises file an annual registration statement providing information about these spaces.

Storefront space includes ground-floor or second-floor commercial areas that are:

  • Visible from the street and accessible to the public using a street or interior entrance AND

  • Used for selling retail goods, food, or beverages, or for providing personal or financial services. This includes restaurants and service-sector firms operating in storefront spaces.
Property owners will register their storefronts as part of the Real Property Income & Expense (RPIE) statement. Most property owners should already be familiar with the RPIE. Business owners are not responsible for this new requirement.

The 2020 RPIE filing period ends June 1, 2020.
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
Community Assistance & Resources
Alternate Side Parking

The City’s Alternate Side Parking fine change went into effect on Thursday, February 20th, 2020 . The new rule will make Alternate Side Parking fines uniform across the entire city at $65. This change will increase the effectiveness of the City's Alternate Side Parking regulations and help to keep New York City healthy, safe and clean.
2020 Black History Month Awards Reception & Networking

Join Big Apple Health News & Events for an evening of celebration and recognition of highly accomplished African-Americans from across New York City whose incredible contributions to the advancement of our healthcare system has impacted so many. Machelle Allen, M.D. and Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of the NYC Health + Hospitals will be the keynote speaker.

The Celebration of Excellence Award ceremony will include a Reception and Networking hour and will take place at the historic Jamaica Center for the Arts and Learning (JCAL)in Downtown Jamaica, Queens.


2020 Summer Internships with Port Authority NY/NJ

The Port Authority offers 12-week paid summer internships to students that provide the opportunity to work with knowledgeable and experienced professionals on assignments critical to operating, maintaining, and expanding the transportation infrastructure for one of the greatest economies in the world. All applications must be submitted by February 28 .
About Business and Event Promotions in this Newsletter : Businesses and organizations 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 immediately adjacent to the Jamaica Avenue Commercial District may also be considered for inclusion on a case-by-case basis. 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, within specifically the Jamaica Center BID boundaries.