This 2010 JHBG-led project pushed Jackson Heights to think a lot greener. The Green Agenda successfully advocated for environmental sustainability measures which set the stage for such major public improvements as the 2019-2020 expansion of Travers Park and the 2020 creation of the 34th Avenue Open Street.
Why We Launched The Green Agenda for Jackson Heights
Jackson Heights was planned as an early 20th Century version of a green community with significant private garden space. Continuing development left it one of our city’s most parks-deprived places. It was time to address that shortage and make Jackson Heights a green community for the 21st Century.
That means using fewer of the Earth’s resources; causing less damage to air and water; and curbing practices contributing to global warming. It was a goal to benefit all of Jackson Heights, regardless of income, ethnicity, language, and age.
How It Worked
Working with a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, JHBG partnered with Queens Community House for its expertise in outreach to immigrant communities and the Pratt Center for Community Development for its planning credentials.
More than 400 people from across Jackson Heights attended 16 meetings held in three languages to discuss their most pressing environmental concerns. The leading concern was the lack of park space. The Pratt Center gathered the information and produced The Green Agenda for Jackson Heights.
Other Accomplishments
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Successfully advocated for open space, helping create the 78th Street Playstreet/Pedestrian Plaza and for the city’s purchase of the Garden School athletic field to expand Travers Park.
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JHBG created the SCRAPS composting center at 69th Street and 35th Avenue, which continues today as the most environmentally sound form of this technology. The entire process takes place locally without the need to transport materials or heavy machinery to mix the green waste. The compost is then used locally closing environmental loops, enhancing sustainability.
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JHBG created Tree LC, a tree-care and gardening project that since 2021 has consistently been the most active tree stewardship program in New York City. Since 2012, it’s trained hundreds and with its partner Tree New York has trained more than a dozen Citizen Tree Pruners. Tree LC has planted a dozen street trees on 37th Avenue; lobbied NYC Parks for the planting of more street trees, including the restoration of trees to the 34th Avenue medians. It created butterfly gardens at the Post Office, PS 69, and in street-tree beds along 37th Avenue. Advocating for our urban canopy is also key to the work of Tree LC.
Next Steps
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An indoor recreation and community center owned and operated by NYC Parks
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Genuine Bus Rapid Transit on Northern Boulevard running from Flushing into Manhattan via the Queensborough. This would speed pokey buses for shopping, schools, work and pleasure within Queens as well as between the two boroughs. Dramatically speeding bus service would be upgraded traffic signals that give priority to buses; equipping buses with cameras to catch and ticket vehicles that violate bus-only lanes or park in bus stops; locating bus-only lanes along curbs the length of the route. All three of these measures are used on bus lines elsewhere in New York City with positive results.
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Recent playground upgrades, like that at IS 145, help provide additional open space to our park-starved community but preserving open space continues to be one of our group’s priorities. Plans for similar major improvements at PS 69 are forthcoming.
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