Air Train will help Jamaica redevelopment take off.

The Port Authority of NY/NJ recently announced that the new light rail system; AirTrain, connecting JFK International Airport to Jamaica, Queens will start service next month.

JFK Corporate Square (JFKCS), the new multi-use redevelopment project in downtown Jamaica is now poised for take off.

According to John D. Markunas, Director of Marketing for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, which is facilitating the development, "The addition of AirTrain makes this inter-modal hub, already consisting of the LIRR, three subway lines and over 40 bus lines, one of the largest in North America.

"This creates the right mix of transportation dynamics to develop the area surrounding AirTrain into a multi-use Airport Village."

Jamaica is where the AirTrain will connect with fast, frequent rail services to Manhattan and Long Island.

The light-rail system will run every four minutes during peak periods and take only 8 minutes to travel from the airport to Jamaica.

Designated a New York State Empire Zone that offers a variety of benefits for companies moving into the area, Jamaica has already received funding for new Class A office towers which are part of the redevelopment.

Also on the drawing board is a full-service hotel with conference and training facilities, restaurants, new and cool retail services and cultural outlets, such as jazz-themed attractions.

Due to its location just minutes from JFK and 22 minutes from Manhattan, and its proximity to a large, highly educated, multi-cultural labor pool in Queens, JFK Corporate Square is attracting international businesses as well as local and regional companies who stand to benefit from this new, attractive corporate environment.