Thursday, July 29, 2010

Richmond Hill Economic Development Council (“RHEDC”) -- Press Release

The Richmond Hill Economic Development Council (RHEDC) was launched on 22nd July at the elegant Ultra Level Lounge on 123rd Street and Liberty Ave.

The Launch of RHEDC attracted more than 150 people, including numerous local business owners, residents, and several local faith-based, civic, educational, social and cultural organizations. Representatives from the Queens Borough President’s Office, Queens Economic Development Corporation, NYC Small Business Services, NYC Department of Transportation, Member of Assembly Mike Miller, City Council Member Eric Ulrich and representatives from Congressman Gregory Meeks and several other State Assembly and City Council offices.

RHEDC was endorsed by the QEDC, NYCSBS, Member of Assembly Mike Miller, City Council Member Eric Ulrich, the Indo-Caribbean Alliance and several other local businesses, civic, religious, cultural and social leaders.

RHEDC stated that its mission is to advocate for the urgent economic development needs of Richmond Hill by organizing the merchants, residents and other local organizations. RHEDC will work with elected officials and city agencies to better serves the vibrant “Liberty Avenue Retail Corridor”, which spans Liberty Avenue between the Van Wyck Expressway and Woodhaven Blvd.

The RHEDC was awarded a grant to organize the Merchants along the Liberty Avenue Retail Corridor. The NYCSBS also will be providing Technical Development support of a website to serve the entire Liberty Avenue Retail Corridor.


The Issues Seek to Address Immediately:
  1. Work with Local Business owners to improve their storefronts and enhance the quality of their services
  2. Promote Businesses along the “Liberty Avenue Retail Corridor” to the broader market
  3. Create a cleaner, greener and more inviting streetscape
  4. Facilitate regular dialogue between the community and the MTA / DOT regarding the Liberty Avenue Congestion Study
  5. Work with the NYCEDC/DOT to arrive at a better solution than the proposed closure of the Liberty Ave Exit of the Van Wyck Expressway
  6. Increase awareness of the Genting New York Aqueduct / Casino Proposal and to position the community to get a fair share of the final decision.
  7. To continue to advance the issues of the Richmond Hill / Ozone Park community with regards to the current US Census
These are some of the many issues/proposals that are and will continue to impact our community. We need to understand the scope and ensure these issues/proposals will be beneficial to our community.

Nathan Gray, Borough Planner – NYCDOT stated publicly during our event that the NYCEDC and DOT will put the proposal on HOLD. We are thankful for this significant announcement that will bring temporary relief to the entire community of Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and South Ozone Park. We will continue to monitor this still open proposal and again make effective representations on behalf of the entire community.

We would like to thank the many individuals and businesses that help to get our community this far. We are looking forward to your continued participation.


RHEDC contact:- Vishnu Mahadeo Tel (347) 323-6019