Revitalizing the neighborhood

From The Peopling of New York City

The Historic District

Because established residents were concerned about Jackson Height's declining reputation, the Jackson Heights Beautification Group (JHBG) was formed in 1988. This community organization’s objective was, and continues to be, improving the quality of life for its residents. JHBG's leaders and board of directors are mostly “middle-aged, white business owners and professionals" who place their priorities in the area’s reputation and appearance because they own co-ops, private homes, other property in the neighborhood (Kasinitz, 168).

One of the most significant achievements of the JHBG was its promotion of historic landmark designations for a portion of the neighborhood. Their goal was dual: to preserve MacDougall's ideal plan for Jackson Heights and to regain the neighborhood's upscale atmosphere. In October 1993, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated certain sections of Jackson Heights as the neighborhood’s Historic District (Kasinitz, 170). The boundaries of this district are outlined in the image to the right.

Minor alterations in buildings within the Historic District require approval from the New York City Landmarks Commission. Accordingly, residents living in the historic district face “severe restrictions," as they cannot alter the appearance of their homes. For example, the addition of a porch or a garage must be approved "in order to preserve the physical and aesthetic space of the Historic District" (Kasinitz, 170).

Success of JHBG

Without a doubt, the efforts of the various committees of the Jackson Heights Beautification group have improved the quality of life for its residents. To liven spirits, JHBG cosponsors a Classical Music Concert at St. Joan of Arc Church every May, celebrates the historic district by giving tours of its gardens every June, and manages the annual Halloween Parade down 37th Avenue. JHBG's Clean Streets Campaign and Graffiti Busters organize monthly cleanups, while the Travers Park Committee cleans up the park and runs “Summer Sundays in the Park." In addition, programs such as ‘Adopt a Tree’ and ‘Flower Planting’ by the Garden Club have helped increase the physical beauty of the neighborhood (Jackson Heights Beautification Group).

Residents of Jackson Heights also volunteer in these assorted committees, and their efforts do not go unnoticed. According to a 36-year resident, Maire Breen, “the streets are cleaner, graffiti is almost nonexistent and flowers and trees have been planted everywhere” (Fioravante).

Effects of the Historic District

Real estate agent David J. in Jackson Heights noted that the value of property in Jackson Heights can "almost exponentially increase" (on average, by more than $100,000) just by being present within the Historic District. Even those outside the real estate realm, such as Sanjeev Varma of Kunal Jewelers, acknowledge the affluence of the Historic District, stating that some apartment buildings from 72nd to 80 St. and 37th to 35th Ave., many of which are in the Historic District, are quite expensive.

With the neighborhood re-establishing itself through the Historic District, the marketing of property in Jackson Heights has shifted to reflect this change.

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