What they reported doing
- #1 primary $2.63MSEE SCHEDULE OJAMAICA MARKET:SINCE ITS OPENING IN 1990, THE JAMAICA MARKET HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A COMMUNITY MEETING PLACE OFFERING AN ECLECTIC ARRAY OF AFFORDABLE CULINARY CHOICES - FROM SALADS AND SANDWICHES TO JUICES AND ETHNIC FOODS FROM ASIA, LATIN AMERICA, AND THE CARIBBEAN ALL IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION. OVER THE YEARS, THE MARKET HAS HELPED MANY CREATIVE AND AMBITIOUS ENTREPRENEURS START BUSINESSES IN A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR WHERE IT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THEM TO OPEN SHOP; THERE ARE CURRENTLY OVER 20 SHOPS SELLING HOT FOOD, NEWS, COFFEE, MAGAZINES, FLOWERS, COSMETICS, JEWELRY, HAIR PRODUCTS AND MORE. IN ADDITION, THE HARVEST ROOM IS LOCATED IN THE JAMAICA MARKET. AS ONE OF THE ONLY OFFERINGS OF ITS KIND IN DOWNTOWN JAMAICA THE HARVEST ROOM SERVES AS A LARGE SCALE EVENT SPACE THAT GJDC OFFERS FOR COMMUNITY CONVENING PURPOSES. ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 150 GUESTS, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY USES THE HARVEST ROOM FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF FAMILY, SOCIAL, AND BUSINESS EVENTS. NOT ONLY CAN THE VENUE BE RENTED FOR AFFORDABLE RATES, GJDC ALSO PROVIDES THE SPACE IN-KIND FOR CERTAIN COMMUNITY EVENTS. GREATER NEXUS:SINCE OPENING IN 2022, GREATER NEXUS HAS EMERGED AS A PREMIER COWORKING SPACE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS, DESIGNED TO EMPOWER LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH ACCESS TO MODERN AMENITIES AND CRITICAL RESOURCES.LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN JAMAICA, THE 10,000+ SQUARE FOOT FACILITY PROVIDES AFFORDABLE, FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE TO A LARGELY MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT HAS HISTORICALLY LACKED SUCH ACCESS. DESPITE PANDEMIC-RELATED DELAYS, GREATER NEXUS REACHED FULL OCCUPANCY IN ITS PRIVATE OFFICES WITHIN ITS FIRST YEAR AND CONTINUES TO OFFER FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES FOR HUNDREDS OF ENTREPRENEURS AND NONPROFITS. IN 2023 ALONE, GREATER NEXUS HOSTED MORE THAN 120 EVENTS, SERVED OVER 2,500 UNIQUE VISITORS, AND SUPPORTED MORE THAN 200 SMALL BUSINESSESTHROUGH DIRECT SERVICES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES.GREATER NEXUS OFFERS A HIGH-END, HOSPITALITY-FOCUSED EXPERIENCE THAT RIVALS TOP-TIER COWORKING SPACES ACROSS NEW YORK CITY, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS.WITH WELLNESS ROOMS, SOUNDPROOF PHONE BOOTHS, TECH-ENABLED CONFERENCE ROOMS, AND STATE-OF-THE-ART A/V CAPABILITIES, THE SPACE IS DESIGNED TO FOSTER CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION, AND GROWTH. MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM A FLEXIBLE PRICING MODELFROM DAY PASSES TO LONG-TERM PRIVATE OFFICESAND CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MORE THAN 50 WORKSHOPS, MONTHLY INDUSTRY NETWORKING EVENTS, AND CURATED BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMS. AS A CERTIFIED HUB FOR TRAINING AND CREDENTIALING, GREATER NEXUS ALSO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCE AGENCIES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO HOST CERTIFICATION PROGRAMSIN DIGITAL MARKETING, BUSINESS OPERATIONS, AND MWBE COMPLIANCEPROVIDING TANGIBLE PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC MOBILITY.GREATER NEXUS IS HOME TO A GROWING SUITE OF INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO CLOSE OPPORTUNITY GAPS AND STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL ECONOMY.AMONG THESE IS THESMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE, WHICH PROVIDES UP TO 15 ENTREPRENEURS WITH COMPLIMENTARY COWORKING ACCESS FOR ONE TO SIX MONTHS, PAIRING THEM WITH MENTORS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES. THIS INITIATIVE IS COMPLEMENTED BY PROGRAMMING IN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND YOUTH EDUCATION. PARTICIPANTS ALSO GAIN ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATIONS, ONE-ON-ONE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND RESOURCES FROM OUR BUSINESS SERVICES GROUP. BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO SPACE, TRAINING, AND COMMUNITY, GREATER NEXUS IS NOT ONLY GROWING BUSINESSESIT'S BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LONG-TERM, INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTHEAST QUEENS AND BEYOND.
- #2 $920KSEE SCHEDULE OFACILITATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT:IN RESPONSE TO RESOUNDING DEMAND FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND NEW RETAIL BY THE JAMAICA COMMUNITY, GJDC HAS WORKED CLOSELY WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO HELP FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE MIXED-USE, AFFORDABLE BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN JAMAICA.MOREOVER, GJDC'S NEXT INITIATIVE IS TO REPURPOSE ONE OF OUR UNDERUTILIZED PARKING GARAGES INTO A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WHILE MAINTAINING OUR COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE PUBLIC PARKING. THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE SUBGRADE PARKING WITH EV CHARGING STATIONS TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THE DEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO FEATURE GROUND-FLOOR RETAIL, OVER 300 MIXED-INCOME RENTAL APARTMENTS, AND 55 AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP CONDOS. BY INCREASING ACCESS TO STABLE, QUALITY HOUSING AND CREATING PATHWAYS TO OWNERSHIP, THE PROJECT WILL HELP STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES, PROMOTE LONG-TERM RESIDENCY, AND SUPPORT GENERATIONAL WEALTH-BUILDING FOR LOCAL FAMILIES.EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING:IN ORDER TO HELP CONNECT RESIDENTS TO THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD, GJDC SPONSORS SEVERAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, INCLUDING A WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION IN MARCH, A SMALL BUSINESS LEGISLATIVE EVENT IN MAY, SEMI-ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESSES EXPOS AND A 5K WALK/RUN IN THE FALL.IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESS:GJDC HAS PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN ADVOCATING FOR AND SECURING FUNDING FOR VARIOUS, LARGE-SCALE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DOWNTOWN. THESE PROJECTS AIM TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND SAFETY, IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW, ACCOMMODATE INCREASED BUS VOLUMES, CREATE NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND SUPPORT ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION.MOST RECENTLY, GJDC COMPLETED A FULL LIGHTING REPLACEMENT AT THE PREVIOUSLY DARK AND UNSAFE LIRR SUTPHIN BLVD UNDERPASS. FUNDED BY GRANTS FROM LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS, THE PROJECT HAS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED SAFETY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND DAILY COMMUTERS. IT REFLECTS OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO CREATING A SAFER, MORE WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL.
What they call their work
What they do
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Community Space Provision 2 activities
- Community facility access and rental servicesProvides access to the Harvest Room, a large-scale event space within the Jamaica Market that accommodates up to 150 guests and is available for rent or in-kind use by local organizations and residents.
- Operation of entrepreneurship and coworking hub (Greater Nexus)Operates Greater Nexus, a 10,000+ square foot coworking and entrepreneurship hub in downtown Jamaica that offers affordable, flexible workspace primarily to minority-owned businesses; in 2023 hosted over 120 events, served 2,500+ visitors, and supported 200+ small businesses through services and networking.
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Neighborhood Revitalization Initiatives 1 activity
- Advocacy for large-scale community planning and zoning reformPlayed a leading role in the 368-block rezoning of Jamaica, one of the largest rezonings in New York City history, to support responsible investment and improved quality of life.
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Organized Running and Triathlon Events 1 activity
- Annual Jamaica Q 5K Walk/RunOrganizes an annual 5K walk/run event in Jamaica, Queens to promote community engagement and fitness; the event is held fall and has been sponsored annually.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Community event sponsorship and hostingHosts and sponsors annual community events including a gala, Women's History Month celebration, legislative events for small businesses, semi-annual expos, and a fall 5K walk/run to celebrate community impact and engagement.
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Affordable Housing Development and Management 1 activity
- Development of mixed-use and affordable housing projectsDevelops mixed-use properties with affordable housing, retail, and community space; has facilitated the creation of 669 mixed-income units and plans to repurpose underutilized structures into over 300 rental units and 55 affordable homeownership condos.
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Startup Acceleration & Business Growth Support 1 activity
- MWBE Accelerator 2.0 programLaunches MWBE Accelerator 2.0, a fully funded 12-week business accelerator for established minority- and women-owned businesses that have generated at least $500,000 in annual sales.
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Small Business and Nonprofit Lending 1 activity
- Small business financing and loan programsAdministers a Small Business CDFI Revolving Loan Fund that provides loans of up to $300,000 and technical assistance to small businesses; supports industrial retention and commercial revitalization efforts in downtown Jamaica.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Commercial real estate development and managementOwns, operates, and manages over 175,000 square feet of office and retail space and 578,000 square feet of parking facilities in downtown Jamaica, including the Jamaica Market and a public parking system; has redeveloped underutilized spaces into retail and pedestrian-friendly areas.
- Urban infrastructure and public space revitalizationRevitalizes streetscapes, retail corridors, and public spaces in Southeast Queens, including the Atlantic Avenue Extension project with new parks, lighting, signage, and pedestrian improvements; completed lighting upgrades in 2025 to enhance safety and accessibility.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUSTIN RODGERS | PRESIDENT & CEO | 32 | $343K |
| TODD BENENSON | ASSISTANT TREASURER/CFO | 32 | $223K |
| PATRICIA ROBINSON | CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER/VP | 33 | $218K |
| ARON KURLANDER | DIR. OF BUSINESS SERVICES | 30 | $190K |
| TIANA LIRIANO | DIR. OF REAL EST. & PROP. | 35 | $189K |
| MITCHELL STERNBACH | DIR. RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT | 35 | $187K |
| VIARLENIS ACOSTA | DIR. OF BUS. SVCS & SPECIAL EVENTS | 35 | $150K |
| MASHEIKA LEWIS | ASSIST. SECRETARY/DIR. OF OPERATIONS | 35 | $145K |
| ANDREA HAYNES | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GREATER NEXUS | 35 | $144K |
- CALVIN LAWRENCE JR — SECRETARY
- CEDRIC DEW — DIRECTOR
- DANIEL A GREENE — DIRECTOR
- DAVID COTTON — DIRECTOR
- DREW SPITLER — DIRECTOR
- ELLIOT G SANDER — VICE CHAIR
- ERIC BLUESTONE — DIRECTOR
- FRANK DIMOLA — DIRECTOR
- GEORGE GUILLAUME — DIRECTOR
- GREG POLIS — DIRECTOR
- HAROLD FLAKE — DIRECTOR
- HOWARD GRAF — DIRECTOR
- ICEMA D GIBBS — DIRECTOR
- JEFFREY S TERRY — TREASURER
- JUDY TUCKER — DIRECTOR
- LAMONT R BAILEY — CHAIR
Who they work with
- BRP Companies Partner — Collaborated with GJDC to develop mixed-income affordable housing, retail space, and parking facilities at The Crossing at Jamaica Station.
- Board of Directors of business and community leaders Partner — Governing body composed of business and community leaders that oversees GJDC.
- GJDC Board Partner — Trusted leadership body that appointed the President & CEO to lead the organization.
- Local elected officials Government — Funded the LIRR Sutphin Blvd underpass lighting replacement project through grants.
- New York City Council Funder — Provides funding support for the MWBE Accelerator 2.0 program.
- Staff Partner — Internal team entrusted with carrying out organizational operations and community initiatives.
- Tribeca 360 Partner — Venue partner hosting GJDC's Annual Gala.
- all branches of government Government — Government entities with whom GJDC collaborates to support community development initiatives.
- leaders in the community Partner — Local leaders with whom GJDC has established and strengthened relationships to advance community revitalization.
- private sector Partner — Private sector partners committed to supporting GJDC’s work and the revitalization of Jamaica.
- pro bono legal services Partner — Connects small businesses to pro bono legal services for legal assistance.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Business Growth Through Integrated Financial and Technical Supportmethodology: loan-fund-with-technical-assistanceBy combining access to capital with technical assistance and procurement readiness programming, the organization increases competitiveness and sustainability of minority- and women-owned businesses, because financial products alone are insufficient without capacity-building support.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration for Community Revitalizationmethodology: cross-sector_collaborationBy integrating public, private, and nonprofit resources through data-driven partnerships, the organization drives sustainable metropolitan development and expands economic opportunity, because coordinated investment produces more resilient and inclusive growth than sector-specific efforts.
- Hospitality-First Coworking Model for Minority Business Supportmethodology: hospitality_first_coworkingBy applying a hospitality-first approach to coworking space management—emphasizing design, staffing, and technology—the organization creates an enabling environment that supports member engagement and business continuity among minority-owned enterprises, because physical and social infrastructure directly impacts entrepreneurial resilience.
- Reducing Institutional Barriers to Business Developmentmethodology: regulatory_navigation_and_red_tape_reductionBy helping entrepreneurs navigate government processes and reduce regulatory burdens, the organization lowers entry barriers to business growth, because complex red tape disproportionately hinders minority- and women-owned enterprises from launching or expanding.