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Bangladeshi Humanitarian Aid & Leadership Outreach

Commercial District Needs Assessment Preliminary Findings
for Jamaica - Hillside - Hollis

Interactive Map of Jamaica - Hillside - Hollis Study Area

Business Inventory Analysis

Overall Business Inventory
Jamaica Avenue Business Inventory
Hillside Avenue Business Inventory

Vacancy Rate Analysis

Overall Vacancy Rate
Jamaica and Hillside Avenue Vacancy Rate
Vacancy Example 1
Vacancy Example 2

Storefront Conditions Analysis

Overall Storefront Conditions
Jamaica and Hillside Avenue Storefront Conditions

Streetscape Conditions

Street with litter

Certain blocks suffer from incessant litter

Storefront with graffiti

Vacant storefronts and other surfaces are often affected by graffiti, impacting the area's visual appeal

Street at night

Certain blocks would benefit from improved lighting to enhance safety and visibility, especially at night

Cracked pavement

Cracks, uneven pavement, and other hazards were noted in certain areas, posing risks to pedestrians

Street with trees

Some blocks feature well-maintained greenery, enhancing the streetscape and providing shade. There is potential to introduce more trees, planters, and small parks to improve aesthetics and air quality

Desired Changes Analysis

Merchant Desired Changes
Consumer Desired Changes

Consumer Profile

Consumer Profile Overview

Shopping Patterns

Consumer Survey Highlights:

  • • 67% shop here 1-4 times per week
  • • 55% spend over $51 when they shop here
  • • 66% take public transit or walk
  • • 59% live in the area

Other areas people frequently shop in are Jackson Heights, Manhattan, Long Island, Flushing, and Elmhurst.

Top 5 Desired New Businesses

  • • Restaurant
  • • Café
  • • Arts & Culture Center/Activity Space
  • • Supermarket
  • • Clothing Store
How safe do you feel at daytime?
How safe do you feel at night?

Merchant Profile

Merchant Profile Overview

Merchant Survey Highlights

  • 41% live in the area
  • 48% are M/WBE, only 7% are certified
  • 63% have 0 – 5 full-time employees
  • 74% plan to stay open in the coming year
  • 49% have a website, 57% use social media
  • 77% rent
  • 40% are interested in merchant organizing
  • 65% have a Fair or Good-Cooperative relationship with their landlord
Merchant Challenges
Merchant Desired Resources

Merchant Analysis

Merchant Challenges
Merchant Desired Resources

Key Highlights

12.3%
Vacancy Rate
Out of 481 total storefronts, 59 are vacant, indicating a significant opportunity for activation and revitalization.
75%
Safety Concerns on Jamaica Ave
Merchants on Jamaica Ave cite safety as a top concern, highlighting the need for improved lighting and community policing efforts.
55%
High Consumer Spending
Consumers spend over $51 per visit, suggesting strong local buying power and potential for increased revenue if storefront activation and environment improvements are made.

Future Development Roadmap

Interactive Data Platform

Economic Development

Community Building

Business Support

Learn More

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