A group of business owners, civic activists, development professionals, and local leaders officially launched the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jackson Heights on Tuesday, June 30. Consisting of 15 small businesses owners, the new organization will strive to keep the area clean, safe, and attractive while also organizing periodical shopping promotions and public cultural events. The group – which includes the proprietors of three restaurants, a supermarket, a travel agency, a jewelry store, a cell phone repair service, a printing company, and several paan providers – elected Shaukat Ali of the Kabob King as the president.

“This is an initiative to create a strong voice to advocate for the plaza,” said Queens Economic Development Corporation Plaza Program Manager Sanket Hendre, who spearheaded the organizing effort with Aftab Uddin, another QEDC employee. “If the members take ownership of this alliance, it could have a really positive impact on the entire neighborhood.”

Founded in May, the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance is currently a for-profit, but plans are in motion to create a nonprofit sister entity to apply for grants and art-enrichment programs.

QEDC realized this project thanks to an NYC Department of Small Business Services Merchant Organizing Strategic Impact Grant and support from City Council Member Shekar Krishnan.

“Diversity Plaza is the gateway to one of the best neighborhoods in the entire world, Jackson Heights. By bringing together these passionate community stakeholders, the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance will help bring about an even more prosperous and vibrant future for this public space. We’re grateful for the partnership with NYC SBS, and for the support of elected officials at every level of government for making this possible – Congresswoman Grace Meng, Assembly Member Steven Raga, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and Council Member Shekar Krishnan. Congrats to the team and the new leaders of this merchant association,” stated QEDC Executive Director Ben Guttmann.

“Diversity Plaza is a vibrant and bustling area in our borough that is home to local small businesses and also serves as an important public space in the community,” stated Congresswoman Meng. “I am thrilled that the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance has been established, and that my team took part in its ribbon cutting while I was in Washington. I have been working with stakeholders in the neighborhood to improve Diversity Plaza and make it cleaner, safer and even more beautiful. There are many ways to help Diversity Plaza reach its full potential and I am excited to work with the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance and other local leaders and partners to help make this happen.”

“Just over a year ago, our office reached out to QEDC to help support Diversity Plaza. We’re grateful that QEDC has since worked with the local business leaders to establish the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance. Jackson Heights is a neighborhood that fosters opportunity for the most diverse immigrant communities, and Diversity Plaza is the perfect example of our strength when we come together. I’m proud to support the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance and our community remains focused on supporting Diversity Plaza and Jackson Heights, ensuring the area is clean, safe, and welcoming,” added Council Member Krishnan.

Diversity Plaza is an open space surrounded by small retail outlets where 37th Road meets 73rd Street and 74th Street in Jackson Heights. It’s a busy transit hub where the E, F, M, R and 7 trains stop at the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue station. The Q32 and Q70 buses also go there.

More information on the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance is at www.diversityplaza.org.

The Queens Economic Development Corporation creates, attracts, and retains jobs through programming that grows borough neighborhoods, assists small businesses, and promotes tourism and business development. More information at www.QueensNY.org.

 

 

A group of business owners, civic activists, development professionals, and local leaders officially launched the Diversity Plaza Business Alliance during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jackson Heights on Tuesday, June 30.