“Next stop Jamaica Station.” Tourist and commuters anxiously wait to exit the train doors of the Long Island Rail Road to catch the AirTran to JFK Airport or to connect another 
subway train. In downtown Jamaica, Queens, you can find yourself at JFK in less than 5 minutes by taking the AirTrain. If you don’t have time to waste, take the LIRR and you will be in Midtown Manhattan in less than 30 minutes. Whether you are using aboveground or 
underground trains, Jamaica Center has become the main connecting station for not only Queens natives but tourist alike.
Jamaica Station has received a lot of attention in that last few years. After the recent 3 billion dollar AirTrain system was completed, there had been a lot of changes in the downtown Jamaica area. The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation 
has expressed their vision for this busy port. “This will be New York’s only mass transit-accessible “Airport Village,” and will include a hotel, offices, retail, a wholesale merchandise mart, and housing.”
I am doing my place story on Jamaica station, in Queens, NY. In my article, I want to hit 3 different points.
- How Jamaica Station serves commuters that live in and outside the area of Queens
- The history of the Station: When and why Jamaica station was built
- Now and Later: What’s taking place today and what is the plan for tomorrow
I chose Jamaica Station because it is the main station in my neighborhood. I have witnessed the changes of the area throughout the years; as well the new buildings and projects, like the AirTrain. I plan to use my own experience as a reference as well as quotes from family and neighbors who have lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years.
My Sources
