Hester Street conducted an in-depth study of Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway, Queens to develop a commercial revitalization plan for retaining existing businesses and attracting prospective ones to the commercial corridor. The project built on previous neighborhood planning work in the neighborhood that mobilized a cohort of local entrepreneurs, identified community retail needs and laid plans for the development of a new grocery store and community center.
HST conducted resident and business surveys as well as land-use, vacancy, zoning and property ownership analysis to identify strategic sites for redevelopment. We developed a marketing brochure that highlights community retail needs and priorities, identifies vacant retail spaces and commercial development sites and outlines small business and financing sources to attract potential entrepreneurs to the corridor.
