JAMAICA:
CENTER

WELCOME

Downtown Jamaica offers the most advantageously positioned and lowest priced major real estate development opportunities in New York City. The 368-block September 2007 rezoning of Jamaica has unlocked the Downtown’s potential for major real estate development.

With the recent completion of New York’s futuristic $3 billion Air Train, which links all JFK Airport terminals directly to a new $350 million terminal in Jamaica, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is turning Downtown Jamaica into a gateway between America’s most important city and its largest airport.

“Transit-oriented development” is the key to turning these unique locations into a hub of easily accessible economic development opportunities. New businesses that move into many areas of Downtown Jamaica can also benefit from generous Empire Zone tax credits, and GJDC can help new and existing businesses gain access to other business incentives.

In the next few years, a major hotel and retail mall, as well as top quality commercial space, will be developed in Downtown Jamaica to support uniquely situated commerce connected to JFK. New housing already underway—and in the planning stages—will support this development. We invite you to join us in this opportune season of growth.





Jamaica's Assets



  • Education

  • Arts / Entertainment

  • Historic

  • Hotel

  • Apartment

  • Government

  • Car Traffic

  • Train

  • Half-mile Radius

    • Arts & Culture

    Downtown Jamaica is one of the most vibrant, accessible, diverse, and entrepreneurial centers of urban activity and culture in the New York City region. Once home to many legendary jazz greats, the community once again has a growing reputation as a venue for African-American and Caribbean-American musical performances and music production (reggae, hip-hop, rap, R&B, and pop). It is also home to an increasing number of fashion designers and craft artisans.









    Highlights:

    History

    Jamaica Avenue was an ancient trail for Native American tribes from as far away as the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, coming to trade skins and furs for wampum. It was in 1655 that the first settlers paid the Native Americans with two guns, a coat, and some powder and lead, for the land lying between the old trail and “Beaver Pond,” later called Baisley Pond. Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant dubbed the area Rustdorp in granting the 1656 patent. The English, who took it over in 1664, renamed it “jameco,” the Carnarsie word for beaver. And so, Jamaica was born.

    Colonial Jamaica had a band of 56 Minute Men that played an active part in the Battle of Long Island, whose unfortunate outcome led to occupation by British troops during most of the Revolution. In Jamaica, “George Washington slept here” is indeed true—in 1790, in William Warner’s tavern. With independence, changes came rapidly to the area. When Rufus King, an author of the Constitution, returned from 7 1/2 years as ambassador to Great Britain, he bought the old Smith farmhouse and renovated it into a stylish home reflecting his Federalist tastes. Once the centerpiece of a 122-acre farm, the home housed three generations of the King family, including John Alsop King, elected governor of New York in 1856. King Manor is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is operated as King Manor Museum and is open to the public.

    By 1776, Jamaica had become a trading post for farmers and their produce. For more than a century, their horse-drawn carts plodded along Jamaica Avenue, then called King’s Highway. The Village of Jamaica was incorporated in 1814; a year later the public school system was established with a budget of $125 for the first year. By 1834 the Brooklyn and Jamaica Railroad Company had a line into Jamaica. Jamaica Avenue, then Fulton Street, was, in 1850, a plank road with a toll gate; in 1866 the tracks were laid for a horse car line. Twenty years later those tracks were the first in the state to be electrified.

    Home of James Van Siclen, circa 1864

    In the years following the Civil War, Jamaica grew rapidly. The 1875 population of 780 jumped to 3,922 five years later. By 1898, the year Queens was incorporated into New York City, 6,500 people lived in Jamaica. By 1910 that number topped 58,000. Business and residential development accelerated in the 20 th century, with the 1918 extension of the elevated transit lines (with a nickel fare!), which enabled people who worked in Manhattan to live in Jamaica. The Long Island Rail Road Station was completed in 1913.

    Between 1920 and 1940 Jamaica Avenue commercial real estate boomed. The district included fine department stores, Gertz and Macy’s, and later May’s; the first modern supermarket, King Kullen; and a Spanish Baroque movie palace called the Loew’s Valencia Theater. The 1937 opening of the IND Subway under Hillside Avenue linked Jamaica with Manhattan and Brooklyn.

    Jamaica's Historic Places




    • A. King Manor

    • B. First Presbyterian Church

    • C. Grace Episcopal Church

    • D. St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church

    • E. First Reformed Church (The Landmark Project)

    • F. Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

    • G. The Firehouse

    • H. The Borough Office Building

    • I. The Tabernacle of Prayer (former Loews Valencia Theater)

    • J. Jamaica Business Resource Center

    • K. York College, City University of New York

    Jamaica Market

    Hot food, produce, news, coffee, magazines, flowers, cosmetics, hair products and more! With over 20 shops and a seasonal farmers market, Jamaica Market is your downtown shoping destination.

    The Shops at Jamaica Market

    • Chicken Perfect

    • Good Taste Kitchen

    • Let’s Get Juiced

    • Erica’s Spanish Cuisine

    • El Zarso

    • New Sarkura Japan

    • Patrice Lorie Cakes

    • Star Mountain Coffee shop

    • Taste & See Caribbean Cuisine

    • Best Food Salad Bar

    • G & L Cajun Grill

    • Abdul’s Fresh Fruit

    • Flowers by David & Dorothy

    • D & E Fashions

    • Z Designs

    • Lifestyle Awards and Promotional Products

    • Silvia’s Variety Store

    • Cleopatra Sheba Nefertiti

    • Interskin Beauty: Cosmetics and Skin Care

    • Healthy Henry

    • A Basket Case

    • Omar’s Hats and Bags

    • Massey Distributors

    Farmer's Market Jamaica




    The Jamaica Farmers’ Market is held seasonally on Fridays and Saturdays. It will open on June 19, 2015 and run every Friday and Saturday from 8am to 4pm through November 21, 2015. The market is held on 160th Street just outside the entrance of the Jamaica Market.

    The annual Harvest Festival will be held on October 17, 2015 from 11am – 4pm.

    Please check our events calendar for special promotions such as the Corn Roast, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities.

    We are always looking for new Farmers!

    Please contact Mary Reda at 718-291-0282 ext. 124 or mreda@gjdc.org if you are a Farmer interested in selling produce or other items at the Jamaica Farmers’ Market.

    Our Vendors

    • Migliorelli Farm

    • Gajeski Produce

    • John Madura Farm
      (Fridays only)

    • Alex Tomato Farm

    Please contact Angela Rampersad at arampersad@gjdc.org or call 718-297-4708 for more information.

    Hours:

    Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm
    Saturday 7am – 7pm
    Sunday – Closed except for special events

    Location:

    90-40 160th Street, Jamaica, New York 11432
    159-15 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11432
    718-297-4708

    Entrances on:

    Jamaica Avenue between 159th and 160th streets
    160th Street between Jamaica Avenue and 90th Avenue

    The Harvest Room

    The Harvest Room is one of downtown Jamaica’s only large scale event spaces. Able to accommodate up to 150 guests, the Harvest Room is the perfect location for a wide variety of business and social events.

    Business meetings, luncheons and dinners can be easily accommodated in this convenient downtown location.

    With its elegant décor, mobile stage and dance floor, skylight and beautiful outdoor garden the Harvest Room is the perfect location for family events from birthday parties and anniversaries to weddings and other formal occasions.

    Other amenities include a private dressing room and on-site catering which can be used at your option. Additionally, public parking only steps away from the Harvest Room is offered at a discounted rate for your guests.

    Location:

    90-40 160th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432

    Directions:

    From the J/Z/E Parsons/Archer Subway station:
    Head north along Parsons Boulevard and take a right on Jamaica Avenue. Walk along Jamaica Avenue and take a left at 160 th Street. The Harvest Room entrance is midway down the block on the left.

    From the F Parsons Subway station:
    Head south along Parsons Boulevard and take a left on 90 th Avenue. Walk along 90 th Avenue, take a right on 160 th Street. The Harvest Room entrance is midway down the block on your right.

    Rates

    People Mon - Thurs Fri - Sat Sun
    Hourly Rates 7 am to 7 pm
    1 to 50 $100 $125 $150
    51 to 100 $150 $150 $150
    101 to 150 $175 $175 $200
    Hourly Rates 8 pm to 12 am
    1 to 50 $120
    51 to 100 $150
    101 to 150 $175
    Flat Rates 8 pm to 12 am
    1 to 150 $925 $925
    Flat Rates 9 pm to 2 am
    1 to 150 $1,525 $1,525 $1,525
    There is a $100 set up fee for all bookings

    A 50% non-refundable deposit is due upon contract with the balance due one month prior to the event.

    Alcohol Can Not Be Served Unless:

    1. Caterers must have a Caterers' Special Events Permit and Host Liquor Liability Insurance.

    2. Contract Holder must obtain a (1) Day Special Events Permit and (1) Day Events Permit Insurance

    3. All parties after midnight must provide security approved by management.

    All major credit cards are accepted.

    Photo ID must be provided upon the signing of contract.

    Optional Accessories Available:
    Dance Floor – $49

    Stage – $49

    Podium – $49

    Projector Screen – $49

    Theatrical Lighting – $49

    Microphone – $49 for the first and $15 for each additional

    Easels – $15 each

    Parking

    Jamaica First Parking is locally owned, managed and operated. This non-profit organization, created by GJDC, offer over 2,000 parking spaces and is supported by the Jamaica business community.




    Parsons Lot
    90-15 Parsons Blvd.
    718-526-5606

    Midblock Lot
    89-35 162nd Street
    718-558-4179

    Archer Lot
    92-30 165th Street
    718-657-3830

    Lot 2
    90-01 168th Street
    718-883-9549

    Lot 3
    90-02 168th Street
    718-883-9549

    chashama

    147-16 Archer Ave.

    chashama, which means "to have vision" in Farsi, was founded by Anita Durst in 1995 as a theater group to celebrate the creative energy of theater artist and mentor Reza Abdoh after his untimely death. After the success of initial productions, Durst acquired a property at 135 West 42nd Street and began composing her own productions. In poured a steady stream of requests from struggling artists asking to use the space during off-nights.

    Recognizing this clear presentation of need, Durst realized that the lack of affordable space was the greatest threat to sustaining a diverse, dynamic, and provocative cultural environment in New York City. Durst’s vision was to find a way to connect artists and performers with untapped reserves of temporarily vacant commercial real estate: empty storefronts and office spaces languishing between tenants. In response to artists’ need for space, Durst began to secure additional spaces along 42nd Street for artists.
    www.chashama.org

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    Jazz at the Chapel

    94-15 159th Street

    Jazz at the Chapel began in 2009 with a collaboration dedicated to featuring local jazz performers in the unique and intimate setting known as the Illinois Jacquet Performance Space at the Chapel of the Sisters in downtown Jamaica, Queens. Queens has been, and still is home to jazz and to so many jazz greats. We plan to carry on the proud tradition of live jazz here at the Chapel. Please join us!
    www.jazzatthechapel.org

    Open to the public. No admission fee.

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    York College Performing Arts Center

    York College number one
    York College number two
    York College number three

    The York College Performing Arts Center is one of the finest state-of-the-art facilities in New York City, with a main stage theater that seats 1,437, and a Little Theater that seats 152. Recent performances have ranged from traditional flamenco music to groups like the Ritz Chamber Players, the nation’s first chamber music ensemble comprised solely of accomplished musicians spanning the African-American Diaspora.
    www.york.cuny.edu

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    Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

    tART Collective Exhibition
    A Jamaica, Queens Thing," Installation View, 2007. Work by Corey D'Augustine
    Humps and Bumps by BroLab

    Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) uses art as a vehicle to enrich the lives of the people who pass through its doors—women and men, children and senior citizens, accomplished artists and aspiring beginners. We serve over 28,000 people annually and offer artistic and cultural programs designed to inspire, entertain and educate. From hands-on art workshops to thought provoking visual arts exhibitions to dynamic performances, JCAL serves as a vital resource for discovery, creativity and self-expression.
    www.jcal.org For more information, please contact us at 718.658.7400

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    Jamaica Performing Arts Center

    The stage at JPAC
    JPAC's home, a totally renovated 1858 Dutch Reformed Church.
    Queens Symphony Orchestra at JPAC

    The Jamaica Performing Arts Center, located in the heart of Jamaica Queens at 153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue, is a premier mid-size, performance complex.Housed in a completely renovated 1858 landmark building, the former First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Jamaica Performing Arts Center features a 400-seat multipurpose performance space that offers a variety of space configurations.
    www.jcal.org

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    King Manor

    King Manor
    King Manor, Main Entrance
    King Manor, East Entrance
    King Manor, East Entrance
    King Manor
    Prospect Cemetary at King Manor

    Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street

    King Manor, the oldest house in Jamaica, is the focal point of the historic 11-acre King Park. The house takes its name from the 18th and 19th century statesman Rufus King, who signed the United States Constitution, spoke out against the spread of slavery, and served as a senator from New York for 19 years. King attached the 18th century Dutch-style house to the Long Island “half house” on the property. In 1810 King further expanded his home by adding a Federal-style dining room and two bedrooms. This landmark is one of the oldest historic house museums in the country.
    www.kingmanor.org

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    First Presbyterian Church

    89-60 164th Street

    Two companies of Revolutionary War “Minutemen” were led by members of this church. The 1813 sanctuary was moved from Jamaica Avenue around the corner to this site in 1920 on a mule-drawn trailer made of logs.
    www.firstchurchjamaica.org

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    Grace Episcopal Church

    155-03 Jamaica Avenue

    Completed in 1862, this handsome landmark is actually the third Grace Church built on this site. Founded in 1702 as the official church of the British colonial government, the surrounding graveyard holds the remains of Rufus King, as well as other elected officials and gentry of that time.
    www.histroicgrace.org

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    St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church

    94-20 160th Street

    This distinctive brick Romanesque Revival church was built in 1857-58 with a tall central campanile. The church was built by Anders Peterson, a Danish-born contractor who later built the First Reformed and Grace Episcopal Churches in Jamaica, both completed in 1863. St. Monica’s was designated a landmark in 1979. The church’s facade was saved following a destructive storm and has been incorporated into a modern day-care center on the York College campus.

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    First Reformed Church (The Landmark Project)

    153-10 Jamaica Avenue

    A Classical Revival church was built on the site in 1833, but was destroyed by a fire in 1857. The new brick Romanesque Revival church, constructed in 1857, has round arches, a massive form, a basilica plan, broad gables, and high flat brick walls. The sermons were in Dutch and English into the late 19th century. The landmark church has been converted into the Jamaica Performing Arts Center managed by Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning.

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    Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

    161-04 Jamaica Avenue

    Built in 1896, this neo-Italian Renaissance style building has lower floor deep rustication, a strong entablature over the lower floors, and a wrought iron railing crowning the entrance. Home of Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, this vibrant landmark building houses a 1,650 square-foot visual arts gallery, a 99-seat proscenium theatre, painting and dance studios, a ceramics studio, a computer lab, and a music studio.
    www.jcal.org

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    The Firehouse

    89-56 162nd Street

    Built in 1925, this former firehouse was renovated by Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. GJDC owns and operates the landmark building, renting it as offices for two non-profit organizations.

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    The Borough Office Building

    90-04 161st Street

    Built in 1929 and designed by the architectural firm Dennison and Hirons, this art deco building is a striking structure with bronze doorways and polychrome terracotta floral designs set into a limestone facade. The eight-story building was contributed in 1980 by Fred C. Trump.

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    The Tabernacle of Prayer (former Loews Valencia Theater)

    165-11 Jamaica Avenue

    The Loew’s Valencia Theater, designed by John Eberson, opened in 1929 and was Queens’ major first-run theater for nearly 50 years. The beautiful space has a ceiling filled with moving clouds and twinkling stars along with graceful arches, statuary, and a fish pond in the lobby. Since 1977, the landmark building has served as the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People.

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    La Casina

    90-33 160th Street

    Step back into classic 1930s New York in this little-changed block of Jamaica. Renovated in 1934, this building was outfitted with a new art moderne facade while the interior was transformed into the restaurant and nightclub, La Casina–still the only known example of an art moderne nightclub in New York. An exquisite renovation of this landmark was completed for the Jamaica Business Resource Center’s offices.

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    York College, City University of New York

    94-20 Guy Brewer Boulevard

    York College, the City University of New York’s newest senior college, offers baccalaureate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, accounting and business, communications technology, computer science, social work, teacher education, and various health professions. It is the first CUNY school to offer a comprehensive program in aviation studies, and is the only CUNY senior college offering majors in gerontology, biotechnology, information systems management and a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
    www.york.cuny.edu

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    Chicken Perfect


    Delivers: Yes
    Caters: Yes
    718-739-4507

    This food entrepreneur, brings his expertise to the Market... a “legacy tenant”, Chicken Perfect has been part of the Jamaica Market for 13 years. Chicken Perfect offers terrific meals for the health conscious diner including rotisserie chicken, wraps, homemade soups, fish and salads. He opens early for business each day offering a full breakfast menu to the neighborhood. Chicken Perfect delivers anywhere in Downtown Jamaica and is available for catering throughout the area.

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    Patrice Lorie Cakes


    Delivers: No
    Caters: No
    718-740-6348/347-447-8331

    New to the Jamaica Market but serving the community since 1980. Fresh baked cakes, cookies and cupcakes for all your special occasions. Also, available are custom, made-to-order cakes for weddings, baby showers, graduations, anniversaries, etc. Find Patrice Lorie Cakes at: Facebook.com/PatriceLorie or myspace.com/PatriceLorie

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    Good Taste Kitchen


    Delivers: Yes
    Caters: Yes
    718-739-2232

    Serving up the best Chinese food in the Downtown, Good Taste Kitchen is a favorite of diners and offers the convenience of a delivery service from 10 am – 7 pm within Downtown Jamaica for those who cannot get away for lunch or work during the dinner hours.

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    Let's Get Juiced


    Delivers: No
    Caters: No

    Fresh and healthy is the name of the game at “Let’s Get Juiced”! Blending up a wide assortment of made-to-order juices and smoothies, Let’s Get Juiced is a terrific place to have a healthy meal or snack. Let’s Get Juiced has a strong following of neighborhood folks who seek out these delicious health drinks.

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    Erica’s Spanish Cuisine


    Delivers: No
    Caters: Yes

    This new addition to the Jamaica Market specializes in authentic Spanish dishes emerged from the Dominican Republic, its atmosphere and its diverse cuisine. Erica’s is open from 9am to 7pm serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We warmly welcome you to dine at Erica’s Spanish Cuisine, hoping you enjoy your visit and the food.

    anamedina.10@gmail.com
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    El Zarso


    Delivers: Yes
    Caters: Yes
    347-494-5378/5024

    Newest addition to the Jamaica market, El Zarso, offers original Mexican cuisine found in the town of Puebla, Mexico; such as Tacos, Tortas, Quesadillas, and Burritos with an Italian fusion of Personal Pizzas. The best of both worlds – be sure to visit them.

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    New Sarkura Japan


    Delivers: Yes ($20.00 minimum order)
    Caters: No
    718-297-6800

    New Sarkura Japan is owned by a husband and wife team that specializes in Hibachi Cuisine. Food is cooked on the grill while you wait.

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    Star Mountain Coffee Shop


    Delivers: No
    Caters: Yes
    347-993-1228

    Star Mountain Coffee Shop has been serving gourmet coffees and a variety of international pastries to a loyal following of customers. Stopping by for a ‘first thing’ in the morning cup or during the afternoon for an espresso is a common occurrence. The Shop has become something of an icon where a personal touch is guaranteed.

    valerieshieh118@hotmail.com
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    Taste & See Caribbean Cuisine


    Delivers: No
    Caters: Yes

    Taste and See offers a wide variety of dishes from the Caribbean – Escovitch fish from Jamaica – Potato Pies from Trinidad, Roti with Shrimp, Beef or Chicken.  Come and enjoy a blend from the Islands.

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    Best Food Salad Bar


    Delivers: No
    Caters: Yes
    718-523-2366

    Best Food Salad Bar offers a wide variety from their hot and cold buffet.  Your selection is weighed by the pound, so eat as little or as much as you like.

    paulhsw301@yahoo.com
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    G & L Cajun Grill


    Delivers: No
    Caters: Yes
    917-605-2812

    G & L Cajun Grill serves authentic Cajun dishes such as Bourbon or Spicy Chicken, Jambalaya and Cajun Rice.  They offer small and regular sized meals, making it affordable and the portions suitable for all.

    guojing08/04@gmail.com
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    Abdul’s Fresh Fruit

    As you enter from the Jamaica Avenue entrance Abdul, a favorite, is there to greet everyone with his wide assortment of fresh fruits.  As the saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
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    Flowers by David & Dorothy


    Delivers: YES

    David and Dorothy provide the community with affordable fresh and silk flower arrangements made to order for all occasions. They also have exotic house plants and accessories such as cards, vases, teddy bears and much more. Visit them online for more!

    www.Flowersbydd.com

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    D & E Fashions


    917-579-9146

    Ely offers a wide variety of jewelry in Sterling Silver, 14K Gold, Stainless Steel and even costume.  While you shop for your next jewelry item or gift, he can also change the battery in your watch.  Ely also provides photocopy, fax and typing services.

    defashionny@gmail.com
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    Z Designs


    718-598-0292

    Z Dezigns specializes in handcrafted leather hair accessories for locks, braids and ponytails.  You can also find beautifully handcrafted gifts and jewelry for yourself or a friend.

    www.zdezigns4locks.com

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    Lifestyle Awards and Promotional Products


    Delivers: Yes
    718-396-9842

    Lifestyle Awards and Promotional Products offers a unique line of hard-to-find and custom items for a wide variety of occasions including weddings. From engraved gifts to business monogramming, Lifestyle Awards carries it all. Teresa Bishop, the shop’s owner takes pride in her ability to personalize her service to each client, finding just the right gift for just the right occasion. Having been in business for over 10 years and in the Jamaica Market, Teresa has terrific sources to draw from for her special products.

    www.lifestyleawards.net
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    Silvia’s Variety Store


    347-684-8338

    Silvia is the proprietor of this fashionable store.  She offers a wide variety of accessories; from fashion purses, hair and phone accessories, fashionable jewelry, hats and much more.  Check with Silvia’s if you are looking to accessorize.

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    Cleopatra Sheba Nefertiti – “When we were Queens”


    718-526-0470

    Cleopatra offers body and bath products including assorted scented handmade soaps, authentic essential oils, scented candles and bath gift sets.

    whenwewerequeens@gmail.com
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    Interskin Beauty: Cosmetic and skin care


    718-523-4333

    Interskin can provide you with all of your needs for beautiful skin.  Cosmetics and skin care products are available, together with demonstrations, counselling and expert advice on the use of cosmetics and skin care.

    www.interskinbeauty.com
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    Healthy Henry's

    Delivers: Yes
    Caters: Yes
    917-300-6477

    Healthy Henry's provides a variety of Native American style meals with a great range of choices. Healthy Panini's, seafood, soups, salads, ribs, veggie wraps -- the list of tasty meals goes on and on. Be sure to pick up a menu when you stop by.

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    A Basket Case - Something for everyone!

    Browse for your specialty and gift baskets. The store has a wide variety readily available, or you can have your selection customized to your choice.
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    Omar’s Hats and Bags


    As you enter Omar, is there with bags for all occasions as well as purses and wallets.

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    Massey Distributors


    Kaba offers a wide variety of merchandise from custom made jewelry to belts, cell phones accessories, socks etc. you can definitely find something to fit your need there.

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    Migliorelli Farm

    Tivoli, NY

    Migliorelli Farm is a family-run fruit and vegetable farm located in Northern Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Originating in the Bronx in 1933 when Angelo Migliorelli first brought the broccoli raab seeds when he immigrated to New York from the Lazio region of Italy. Migliorelli and his son, Rocco peddled their vegetables by horse and cart up and down the Bronx, sun up to sun down. Eventually Co-Op City was to be built therefore pushing the last of the farmers out of the Bronx.

    Farming was Rocco’s passion so he brought his family to the Hudson Valley. Now in its 3rd generation, Migliorelli Farm is growing over 130 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, including the same strain of broccoli raab. In 1998, Ken Migliorelli sold all developing rights of his farm to be protected through a Scenic Hudson conservation easement to remain farmland forever and provide scenic beauty and wholesome food to our local community and the greenmarkets of NYC.

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    Gajeski Produce

    Rivehead, NY

    Brian Gajeski who owns and runs the 125 acre Gajeski Produce Farm in Riverhead, NY, greets the day at 4:15 a.m. in order to load up his truck with produce, make the two hour drive down to the city and sell at farmers markets every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

    “It’s a challenge,” says Brian whose produce is for sale at eight different farmers markets every week. “We have a lot of stuff and we take two or three crates of everything.”

    Brian knows his farm well; it’s where he was raised and it has been in his family for about 90 years. He left just long enough to get his bachelors in Plant Science from SUNY Cobleskill, a degree he has found very useful. Brian employs innovative agricultural practices like companion planting, a technique where plants are strategically placed according to the natural substances in their roots that either attract or repel insects. This keeps pesticide use to a minimum and saves the farm money.

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    John D. Madura Farms

    Pine Island, NY

    NY. John runs the 300 acre farm with his wife Kristie. We have a greenhouse where we create all our own hanging baskets and planters, as well as our annuanls/perennals/herbs, and start our vegetable plants. John as found a second nitch with his growing of local mushrooms. We also have fresh brown eggs from our own chicken and we have bee hives on the farm. Life is busy, but very rewarding knowing that we provide fresh local products for our customers.

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    Alex Tomato Farm

    Sprakers, NY

    Alex Kravets’ father, a dentist, started farming in the Ukraine as a hobby. But before long he was running a successful produce business, operating six greenhouses just outside the city and extending the growing season at a time when tomatoes in Eastern Europe were virtually impossible to find until July or August. “These things were valued very highly,” Alex explains, “Nobody was doing what my father was doing, almost everything agricultural was managed by the government.”

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