Sutphin Boulevard off Jamaica ave (where i live) has been labeled “JFK Corporate Square” since the Air Train has been running people can now go from the airport to the Long Island railroad or get on the E or J trains. This is what the city cause a business development district where they create corporate structures to “improve” neighborhoods. In addition they have build a taxi stand to steer traffic away from the street cabs, a civil court, a mta police station, and a department of finance where people pay tickets and real estate fines.
They have also put up street signs that mention famous jazz musicians and given the air train terminal a JaZz theme that boldly states “queens home to Jazz legends” and piano keys as part of the decor. Yet there are no live music venues in the area, except for a club Amazura that plays the usually radio music and host the usual radio artists.
The surrounding bodegas have changed there awnings to look fancier and raised prices with out changing their selection of products. Rents have gone up the eateries in the area are several crown fried chicken spots, Chinese, Little Caesars, Mc Donald’s, Pizza spots the healthiest options are a mom and pops Jamaican restaurant and Spanish spot.
Regardless of the lack of resources in area like these, creativity grows. To all my people that grow up in similar areas travel outside of where your from and look to bring life back to where your are by throwing local events and finding the event that occur on a local level. Community is key and a few people can spark an uprising that causes change!
We have thrown house parties instead of renting out bars and clubs and had great success connecting with local people who didn’t think any thing like that was possible. Live is limitless until we try and limit it. Be grateful and be the change you want to see!
