Nov. 10, 2023 By Anthony Medina
The Woodhaven Business Improvement District, with the help of civic leaders, elected officials and volunteers, spent the morning on Saturday, Nov. 4, getting rid of graffiti, litter and trash along the bustling streets of Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.
In collaboration with the Woodhaven Business Improvement District (BID), the offices of Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and Council Member Joann Ariola joined to help clean the streets.
“Clean streets are so important to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and that’s why I was proud to partner with the Woodhaven BID to tidy up the community,” said Ariola. “Nobody wants to go shopping in an area that doesn’t look clean, so I am glad that the BID organized this initiative.”
The councilwoman also recognized the importance of helping maintain the image of Jamaica Ave for residents and the businesses that stretch along the busy road.
“It will no doubt help to improve commercial activity and attract new customers to the area, and my office will continue to provide funding to the BID through the New York City Council so that we can continue to see initiatives like this in the future,” Ariola said.
Litter and garbage was swept off Jamaica Avenue and placed in garbage bags with the help of clean-up supplies given by the NYC Department of Sanitation. Photo courtesy Woodhaven BID
Along with the roster of elected officials and representatives present at the clean up were members from the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct Explorers group, representatives from the NYC Department of Sanitation and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.
John Perricone, the executive director of the Woodhaven BID, said the aid and support from city agencies only bolstered the presence of volunteers from Unidad y Fe Lutheran and the students from the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering, and Architecture, who lent a helping hand in the effort to beautify Jamaica Avenue.
In addition to having about 30 volunteers doing their part to clean up trash and paint over graffiti, with brooms, brushes, and paint provided by DSNY, the benefits also impact the businesses, Perricone explained.
“It was really to lend a hand to the business owners there, cleaning up in front of their stores and of course, contributing to beautifying the avenue to make it look more presentable,” Perricone said.
The Woodhaven BID represents the businesses in front of Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street, in Woodhaven, so Perricone emphasizes how residents and businesses must do their part to help rid the avenue of litter.