-------
Can Big Investment In JFK Airport Also Translate Into Community Improvements?
By Danielle Douglas
By Danielle Douglas
Knowledge is Power
Many of you may have attended the Port Authority JFK Redevelopment meeting that took place on Wednesday, July 18th at the Robert Ross Family Center. If not, here is a synopsis of the information that was provided to the attendees.
At this time, the Port Authority has selected two companies, Mott MacDonald and Grimshaw to do the engineering and master planning. Another organization, HNTB, has been selected to provided Program and Project Management.
All of these organizations are mandated to have a 30% utilization goal of Minority/Woman Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
In addition, the PA Board has entered an Agreement with Aero JFK for construction of a new state-of-the-art cargo handling facility. The Board has authorized taxiway upgrades to allow larger cargo planes north side access.
The Port Authority is also having active discussions with the terminal operators (Terminal 1 Group, Delta Air Lines, JFK International Air Terminal, JetBlue Airways, British Airways, and American Airlines) in regards to redevelopment projects. They also will have a 30% utilization goal of MWBEs.
What does this all mean for you?
The Port Authority's objective is to:
• Maximize Economic Opportunities by providing opportunities for MWBEs, having a local business preference for contract opportunities, building the capacity of MWBEs through training, providing jobs for local residents, and developing the community.
Opportunities for MWBEs
For MWBEs, there will be a focus on Professional Services such as Engineering, Architecture, Financial, and Legal alongside Construction.
If a business is not yet certified, there will be certification workshops in the community for businesses who would like to get MWBE certified.
There will be an opportunity to utilize Local Business Preferences throughout the different phases of the redevelopment. There will be a need for professional services, support services, and other ancillary needs in the Construction Phase. And in the Operating Phase, there will be opportunities for retail concessions, support services, and etc.
In addition, there will be regular events to connect local businesses with developers and contractors for contract opportunities.
To assist in the capacity building and training of MWBEs , there will be Mentoring programs to connect growing MWBEs and local businesses to established firms as well as connecting businesses to existing NY State and PANYNJ programs, and providing assistance with access to capital.
Jobs for Local Residents
Quarterly job fairs will take place with a preference for local hiring. The Port Authority will also partner with the Council for Airport Opportunity to explore partnerships with local community base organizations, and provide a path for Apprenticeships and Scholarships.
• Mitigation of Environment Impacts will be recognized by being sensitive to longstanding environmental concerns during construction, utilizing LEED certified terminals and green construction methods, improving roadways to reduce traffic congestion, and installing noise/vibration methods as needed during construction.
In addition, JFK will remain slot-controlled, runway capacity will not be added, environmental reviews will be done for each project to develop strategies to mitigate any potential environment impacts.
Article Or Event Continues After Sponsor's Message Below...
Farmers Pizza
Please Support Our Ad Sponsors Who Make This Community News Blog Possible. And Don't Forget To Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Scoop!
Farmers Pizza
JFK Upgrade Article Continues Below...
Listening to the Community
There are two locally based full time Community Outreach Specialists that will be located at the JFK Redevelopment Community Office in Southeast Queens
A JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee will be established that will be comprised of Community Boards, Clergy, Non-profits, Business Community, and Civic Organization.
The Community Specialists and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Committee will serve as liaisons to allow for a "two way" engagement for frequent project updates and advice from the community on achieving project goals.
In the near future, a JFK Redevelopment Program website, a JFK Redevelopment Program newsletter, updates sent via email to residents who are on their mailing lists, and a social media presence will be established or initiated.
In summary, The Port Authority's goal is to:
1. PARTNER with the community to ensure local benefits for neighborhoods that surround JFK
2. REQUIRE terminal developers to focus on community priorities
3. ENSURE that JFK Redevelopment sets the standard for collaboration between government, private sector, and the local community.
Please provide feedback in regards to what has been proposed so far by the Port Authority We look forward to hearing your voice. Please comment in the comment section at the bottom of this web page.
Your Fellow Neighbor,
Danielle Douglas
Sponsor's Messages Below
Enjoy A Tasty Meal At The New Burger King In
St. Albans, New York
Experience This Modern, Spacious, And Affordable Place To Eat. For More Info Click Here
Give The Gift Of Beautiful And Affordable Photo Realistic Or Ethnic Art For The Holidays
World Class Sophisticated Art Can Portray Your Love This Holiday Season - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Beautify Your Home and Accentuate Your Life - Discover Exceptional Black Art, Get Exclusive Custom Framing, and Receive Expert Photography from Renowned Local Artist Click Here
Checkout Similar Articles Below
About the Southeast Queens Scoop - is the premier website and only publication offering daily news and updates on the events, culture, issues, and is dedicated to the business and economic development in this largely black historic community.
Since you are here think about this please. Do You Want The Southeast Queens Scoop To Continue To Promote Empowering News and Events largely ignored by the corporate owned mainstream media in our area?
Since most local businesses don't have large ad budgets then please consider donating to ensure we can continue our media efforts. We appreciate all contributions ($5, $10, $15, $20, +) no amount is too small. Please donate now below or read more on donations.
Danielle as always thank you for your great coverage of this important issue. Knowledge is power.
ReplyDelete