Author Archives: Azaria

It’s one of New York’s snowiest winters and teachers and students want to know, ”Where are our snow days?” Azaria Charles reports from Brooklyn NY.

Of all the people you could have chosen to write a profile about, why Jane?

-Azaria Charles

The Department of Education made yet another list of New York City public schools, excluding Staten Island, to be phased out and closed, due to low graduation rates and overall bad grade. In early January, a proposal was made public that 15 public schools would begin to be phased out, and 2 schools would be closed by summer. The DOE was expected to add more school to the list before voting on the proposal.

Michael R. Bloomberg’s administration has been well known for approving the closing and replacing of public schools, since he took office in 2002. As Mayor, Bloomberg plays a big part in the educational system, as he has the responsibility to appoint 8 members of the Panel for Education Policy, which consists of 13 members and the Chancellor.

On March 11, 2013, an educational public meeting was held at Brooklyn Technical High School, where parents and student voiced their opinion of the proposal. When all was said and done, the panels votes were counted and all 8 of Michael Bloomberg’s appointed members rejected the proposal to close and phase out New York City public schools.

For this conflict proposal, there are a few voices I look to hear from.

First, I wanted to interview a community board member in the district of one of the schools on the list to be phased out or closed down. By interviewing him, I seek to get more information on the standings of the community and why they felt the proposal needed to be denied.

Second, I would like to interview a parent whose child is currently in one of the schools, to get a personal view of the situation.

And last, if possible, I would like to speak to one of the Panel for Education policy members, and get his stance on the proposal and why he may have voted the way he did.

Jamaica Station, built in 1913, is located in the downtown area of Jamaica, Queens. It is a hub for Long Island Rail Road trains that come and go from the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. In recent years, the station has been improved with the extension of a “futuristic” terminal that connects the LIRR and the AirTrain. The new terminal for JFK passengers was completed in 2002. It was just one of the major changes for this station. Recently, the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation has planned to have a “Station Plaza.” The work towards the project has already started by creating better lighting in the walkway beneath the LIRR where passengers walk throughout the day and dark nights. These lights have turned the dark and scary underpass into a colorful and bright place where passengers can feel safe as they transfer to their next destination. Another addition to the underpass is business spaces called, “Shops at Station Plaza,” made for retail shops and other amnesties that might be convenient for visitors of the station.

“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

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/30/nyregion/jamaica-queens-is-reborn-with-airtrain-riders-help.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

http://global.factiva.com.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&NS=16&AID=9BAR002300&an=CNYB000020120726e87n0000j&cat=a&ep=ASI

http://global.factiva.com.remote.baruch.cuny.edu/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&NS=16&AID=9BAR002300&an=REWK000020120807e87400005&cat=a&ep=ASI

http://gjdc.org/