Jackson Heights

General Description
The Jackson Heights neighborhood is in the northwestern portion of the Borough of Queens in New York City. It is one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods, with significant numbers of residents from South Asian, Eastern Europe, and Central and South America. The neighborhood's broad diversity is perhaps best reflected in a July 17, 2005 New York Times article stating: "In the 2000 census report, fewer than 20 percent of the households reported that English was the only language spoken at home. More than half also speak Spanish. And Arabic, Chinese, French (including Cajun and Creole), Greek, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu and Yiddish were among the more than 30 languages tallied."

The neighborhood is bound on the north by Astoria Boulevard, Flushing Bay, and the East Elmhurst neighborhood, on the east by Junction Boulevard and the Corona neighborhood, by Roosevelt Avenue and Elmhurst to the south, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Woodside to the west.

The Jackson Heights name comes from Jackson Avenue, the former name for the section of Northern Boulevard that passes through the neighborhood.

In earlier times Jackson Heights (and the Woodside neighborhood) were part of the Leverich farm lands. Today the sole remaining reminders of this 400 year old property ownership are a Leverich Street and the family cemetery located mid-block to the east of the street. The only access is through an alley on 35th Avenue.

Civic Life and Livability Issues
To those with moderate income, Jackson Heights provides a pleasant life. It has many local retail stores, restaurants serving dozens of cuisines, and for those living in reasonable proximity to the subway lines alone Roosevelt Avenue, great transportation.

In the areas near the commercial districts, delivery truck traffic, fumes, and noise present one of the neighborhood's big quality of life problems. See this map produced by the City's Department of Transportation of traffic problems in the eastern section of the neighborhood.

Civic Projects
The following improvement projects are seeking partners:


 * 37th Road (Diversity Plaza) - A 2011 change to the traffic flow resulted in the closing of 37th Road between 73rd and 74th Streets. Now called Diversity Plaza, it is being transformed into a core public area for the neighborhood. City Council Member Danny Dromm is leading the effort.


 * BQE Underpass Graffiti Removal - On 35th Avenue and 69th Street, at the BQE underpass, the porcelain tiles on the walls have been graffiti tagged. Solution: Wet coarse sponges should be satisfactory to do the removal. The BQE is a border between Community Districts 1 and 3 and as is typical with border areas, is sometimes neglected by both. A solution might involve recruiting residents from the surrounding streets, especially from the Andrew Jackson Condominium on the Jackson Heights side and the single family housed in adjacent Woodside. Project lead: Email toml@communisphere.com to help out.


 * Travers Park Expansion - Jackson Heights is arguably the most under-parked neighborhood in the city. There's an effort afoot to acquire the school yard of the adjacent [Garden School]. The Jackson Heights Green Alliance is leading the way. Council Member Danny Dromm is supportive of the expansion.


 * JacksonHeights.nyc - A prototype neighborhood website, with the preliminary work done here on the NYCwiki.org. See the JacksonHeights.nyc development site.

Local Government Entities
City, state, and federal government agencies provide services to Jackson Heights and each has offices in the neighborhood. How is one to know which entity to approach to go to with a concern? One rule of thumb is that the city takes responsibility for most everyday services, but that it is sometimes better to approach a state official with concerns about agencies to which the state is a primary provider of funds. Concerns with Social Security, Medicare, military duty or veteran affairs should be addressed to the neighborhoods representative to the federal government, Joe Crowley.
 * Community Board 3 - The Community Board is the grassroots governance level in New York City. Board 3 has 50 members who live or work in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and the northern section of Corona. The board enables residents to participate in city policy conversations. The board typically meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:45 PM. Anyone wishing to bring an issue before the board may do so at the monthly meetings. 3 minutes is allocated for this purpose at the start of each the meeting. It is advisable to call the board at 718 457-2707 24 hours in advance to reserve a speaking slot.
 * City council member Danny Dromm - CM Dromm's district includes the western portion of the neighborhood.
 * City council member Julissa Ferreras - CM Ferreras's district includes the western portions of Jackson Heights.
 * The Councilpedia by the Citizens Union Foundation provides some details on the performance of CM Dromm and CM Ferreras.
 * NYS Assembly member Mike DenDekker
 * NYS Assembly member Francisco Moyer
 * NYS Senator Jose Peralta
 * U.S. Congress Member Joe Crowley.
 * Another entity that holds sway of the neighborhood is the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Port Authority operates LaGuardia Airport which borders the northern end of the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Needs & Community Board 3
A neighborhood might be defined as a place for fulfilling personal needs. And neighborhood needs are forever changing. One goal of the Jackson Heights(.nyc) site is to identify needs and facilitate their resolution.

Some needs are formally expressed to government in the Community Board's annual needs assessment. Requests are broken down into expense and capital budgets to conform to city hall budgeting processes. The local board for Jackson Heights is Community Board #3, which also represents the East_Elmhurst neighborhood and the northern section of Corona.

Below is the Fiscal Year 2012 Preliminary Budget Register of the needs presented by Community Board 3 to the mayor and city council. (Note: Some of these needs are more focused on the Corona and East Elmhurst neighborhoods.)

Participatory Budgeting - The The Participatory Budgeting Rule Book for 2012-13 is available. It provides a process providing insight on engagement and decision making by residents into the selection of community projects.


 * Request: Construct New School Facilities in CD#3, especially Early Childhood Centers and High School.

Explanation: Our children are entitled to a clean, safe environment in which to learn. With the current overcrowding of class rooms, the need for new school facilities is clear. Responsible Agency: Department of Education Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 01 403199102C This request includes more than one proposal. Funding for part is recommended. Contact the agency for specifics. Budget Line: E-2362, E-2362, E-2362 Project Id(s): A00017401, QN0182A1A, A00083189


 * Request: Reduce Odor and Improve Water Flow in Flushing Bay

Explanation: Continued Support of this project is requested to improve the quality of water in Flushing Bay, restore the eco system, implement the tidal breakwater removal; channel modifications; dredge the inner bay, creek and restore the wetlands. Responsible Agency: Department of Environmental Protection Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 02 403198003C The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Expand East Elmhurst Library, Including a Cultural Center

Explanation: The East Elmhurst Community Urgently needs a cultural facility. Proceed with the final phase of the expansion of the library,construction by 2012. Responsible Agency: Queens Borough Public Library Council Districts: 21, 25 03 403201202C This project was funded in a prior fiscal year and the final design contract has been let. Project Id(s): 850 LQQ122EE2


 * Request: Construct A New Building and Expand The Capacity of the Jackson Heights Regional Library-KEEP ALLOCATION IN PLACE

Explanation: The Jackson Heights Branch is the most heavily utilized library facility in Northwest Queens and home to the most ethnically diverse population in the City. Space for expansion is available behind present structure.A new facility will significantly reduce overcrowding. Responsible Agency: Queens Borough Public Library Council Districts: 25 04 403199701C The Queens Library received partial funding for construction and will continue to request additional funding. Budget Line: LQ-C122, LQD122 Project Id(s): LQC122-JH


 * Request: Reconstruct Sewers on Astoria Boulevard located between 84th and 96th Streets;93 Street between, 37 & Roosevelt Aves, 114 St. between Ditmars Blvd. and 23 Ave from Gilmore St. to the Cul-De-Sac;110 St from Astoria to Northern Blvds; Northern Blvd between 98 ;99 St. between Ditmars Blvd and 27th Ave, S/s 87 St.between 25 Ave and Astoria Blvd.

Explanation: The District has experienced serious flooding and property damage. Whenever there is a heavy rainfall water and sewage back up into residential basements. Reconstruction of the sewers is urgently requested. Responsible Agency: Department of Environmental Protection Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 05 403200003C The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Provide Funding For a Comprehensive Study and the Construction of a Separate Sewer System in CB #3.

Explanation: Our population has increased significantly by 32%. Neighborhoods that were once comprised of one and two family homes have been replaced with units of six to ten families. These changes have increased the demand on our infrastructure & sewer system and is reflected by the increase in flooding & sewer back-up complaints each year. Before 1996, conditions were confined to East Elmhurst or north of Northern Boulevard. Further due to new construction, we receive complaints from all over the District. Responsible Agency: Department of Environmental Protection Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 06 403200801C This request is not recommended for funding.


 * Request: Reconstruct Streets in Community Board 3.

Explanation: Reconstruct 86th Street between 25th and 30th Avenues and 86th Street between 34th & 35 Avenues; Northern Blvd. from Junction to 114th St.; 108th St from 34th to Roosevelt Aves;34th Ave from 94th to 106th Street, 37th Ave from 104 to 105 St, Junction Blvd from 34th to Roosevelt Aves; 34th Ave from 96th to 106th St; 37th Ave from Junction Blvd to 114th St; Junction Blvd from 35th to Roosevelt Aves;82nd Street from Astoria Blvd to the BQE and 81st Street from Astoria Blvd to the BQE. Responsible Agency: Department of Transportation Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 07 403199801C Further study by the agency of this new request is needed. Contact the agency.


 * Request: Construct Library in Northwest Sector of CD #3.

Explanation: The residents in this portion of the District are sorely lacking library facilities. There is an area in the Jackson Heights Shopping Center located at 75th Street and 31st Avenue where a structure could possibly be built. Responsible Agency: Queens Borough Public Library Council Districts: 25 08 403198904C QBPL recommends funding this capital budget item in FY 2012 but at this time the availability of funds is uncertain.


 * Request: Expand Buildings Information System (BIS), Including Folder Retention

Explanation: To effectively facilitate site inspections and the issuance of violations, DOB Inspectors must be provided with hand- held computers. Other units within DOB already have these computer devises. These hand held computers will help to accelerate the inspection process and ensure timely input of information. Responsible Agency: Department of Buildings Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 09 403200905C This project was funded in a prior fiscal year and the scope is now underway.


 * Request: Develop Landing Lights Property Including Upgrading the Baseball Field at 78 Street Located Between 25th and 30th Avenues.

Explanation: Upgrade the baseball field install a fence and water fountain. There is a severe shortage of recreational space in CD#3. All of our neighboring parks are fully utilized. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 10 403200201C This project was funded in a prior fiscal year and the final design contract has been let.


 * Request: Conduct Traffic Study of Grand Central Parkway Exit Located at 114th Street and Northern Boulevard.

Explanation: The 114th Street and Northern Boulevard exit off the Grand Central Parkway has been the site of several accidents. A traffic safety study as well as redesign is requested. Responsible Agency: Department of Transportation Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 11 403199903C Funds are unavailable for this project. We recommend this project be brought to the attention of your elected officials, i.e. Borough President, Council/Assemblymember, or State Senator.


 * Request: Conduct Traffic Study of the Entrance at 114th Street and Astoria Boulevard.

Explanation: 114th Street and Astoria Boulevard provides access to the Grand Central Parkway and Whitestone Expressway. A traffic study and redesign is requested as several accidents have occurred at this location. Responsible Agency: Department of Transportation Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 12 403199904C Funds are unavailable for this project. We recommend this project be brought to the attention of your elected officials, i.e. Borough President, Council/Assemblymember, or State Senator.


 * Request: Rehab Fisher Pool

Explanation: Fisher Pool is beginning to show its age. This heavily utilized facility is due for an upgrade. We request that work commences ASAP and ready for summer 2011! Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 13 403200903C Department of Parks and Recreation funds are insufficient for this project. We recommend this project be brought to the attention of your elected officials, i.e. Borough President and/or City Council member.


 * Request: Restore The Queens Green House At Forest Park.

Explanation: Restore funds for the operation of the Queens Green House; it provides essential services Borowide. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation Council Districts: 21, 25 14 403201201C Department of Parks and Recreation funds are insufficient for this project. We recommend this project be brought to the attention of your elected officials, i.e. Borough President and/or City Council member.


 * Request: Create Affordable Housing for Middle & Low-Income Families.

Explanation: Strategies and programs must be developed to stimulate the production of new/affordable housing facilities. There is a severe shortage of housing for middle and low-income families. Responsible Agency: Department of Housing Preservation & Development Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 15 403200102C The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Construct the Visitor Center for Louis Armstrong House Museum

Explanation: We request that the construction of the Vistor Center be fully funded and work will commence expeditiously. Community Board #3 fully supports this project. Responsible Agency: Department of Cultural Affairs Council Districts: 21, 22, 25 CS 403200902C This project was funded in a prior fiscal year and the final design contract has been let. Budget Line: PV-0467, PV-Q001, PV-Q467 Project Id(s): QC029-009 Supported by: Louis Armstrong House Museum


 * Request: Construct Flushing Bay Promenade Project

Explanation: Make improvements to meet with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Responsible Agency: Department of Environmental Protection Council Districts: 21, 25 CS 403201203C This request is not recommended for funding.


 * Request: Install Air Pollution Testing Monitors in the Neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst located near LaGuardia Airport in CD#3.

Explanation: CD#3 is surrounded by LaGuardia Airport, BQE, and Grand Central Parkway. Our residents are concerned about the impact of fumes emitting from motor vehicles and planes into our community. There is a high incidence of asthma and respiratory disease in our district. The need to install air monitors in our area is clear. Responsible Agency: Department of Environmental Protection 01 403199901E This request is not recommended for funding.

Request: Keep Queens Libraries Open 7 Days A Week.

Explanation: Our libraries are heavily utilized, 5-6 days a week do not meet the needs of CB #3 constituents. Provide funding to restore our libraries to full time operational capacity. Responsible Agency: Queens Borough Public Library 02 403200804E The agency recommends funding this expense budget request in FY 2012, but at this time the availability of funds is uncertain.


 * Request: Restore and Increase Funding for Youth, Adult Beacon Programs and Community Centers in Jackson Heights and Corona.

Explanation: There is an urgent need for after-school and weekend programs for both our youth and adults. We require constructive inter-generational activities and programs that must be available seven days a week. Additional programs focused on the needs and interests of our senior citizens should be a part of this effort. Responsible Agency: Department of Youth & Community Development 03 403199902E Presently, there are a variety of agency-funded programs in the district for this target population. Additional programs are contingent upon available funding and will be distributed through an RFP process. Organizations are encouraged to apply.


 * Request: Increase Funding For The Queens Borough Engineer's Office,Personnel to Install and Replace All Street & Traffic Signs Including Pot Hole Repair.

Explanation: Increase funding for the Borough Engineer's Office, presently there is a backlog of traffic studies. Provide adequate funding to purchase the equipment needed to bring the Borough Engineer's work load up-to-date. Signs must be installed, replaced and potholes repaired in a timely fashion. Additional personnel is urgently needed to provide these vital functions. Responsible Agency: Department of Transportation 04 403199801E In the Preliminary Budget, Citywide personnel/program/equipment funds will decrease in FY 2012. Contact the agency.


 * Request: Increase Inspector Personnel for Dept. of Buildings For Compliance.

Explanation: Additional inspectors must be put on line for Compliance and to augment the Agency's reduced Night Emergency and B.E.S.T. Squads and allow reinstatement of its Double Check Unit. These additional inspectors would provide an invaluable service by working to assure constant monitoring of construction and demolition sites, Code Enforcement and to provide timely complaint and emergency response. Responsible Agency: Department of Buildings 05 403199001E The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Increase Inspectors for the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Explanation: Hire additional inspectors to address code enforcement, demolition and seal-up complaints for multiple dwellings. Responsible Agency: Department of Housing Preservation & Development 06 403200104E The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Restore and Increase Parks and Maintenance Personnel, Including an Assistant Gardner.

Explanation: There is an urgent need for additional Parks personnel in CD #3. This District is sorely in need of additional maintenance personnel and a gardener. In CD #3 there are only two maintenance workers assigned to our parks. In the event that a maintenance worker becomes ill or takes annual leave, the District will be severely short-handed. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation 07 403200001E The agency recommends funding this expense budget request in FY 2012, but at this time the availability of funds is uncertain.


 * Request: Hire Parks Associates for P.S. 127,Junction boulevard, Northern Boulevard and area playgrounds.

Explanation: CB#3 requires additional associates in our area. Currently there are only two associates in the entire district, Gorman Park and Travers. Our Community has increased by 40,000 residents, we deserve more programs and services. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation 08 403200801E The agency recommends funding this expense budget request in FY 2012, but at this time the availability of funds is uncertain.


 * Request: Hire Additional Uniformed and Civilian Personnel for 115th Police Pct.

Explanation: The 115th Precinct staffing levels must be increased including civilian personnel and custodial staff. Radio motor patrol coverage of commercial areas has proved to be ineffective. Reinstate the C-POP Program and increase foot patrol. Hire civilians to cover the Precinct receptionist position so that police officers will be freed up to address crime and quality-of-life complaints. Responsible Agency: Police Department 09 403199101E NYPD total staffing levels depend on decisions made in the Preliminary and Executive budget process. Allocation of uniformed personnel is scheduled by the NYPD only after graduation of Police classes from the Academy. Availability of civilian personnel is limited due to recent reductions to the civilian headcount.


 * Request: Commit to Each Community Board $500,000 Annually to address dead trees, stumps, pruning and planting requests and reduce the pruning cycle to five (5) years.

Explanation: An annual commitment of $500,000. for each Community Board is necessary to effectively address the backlog of complaints for tree pruning and the removal of fallen limbs, dead trees, stumps and planting. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation 10 403199904E The agency recommends funding this expense budget request in FY 2012, but at this time the availability of funds is uncertain.


 * Request: Increase Graffiti Removal Programs.

Explanation: To combat the increased incidence of graffiti throughout the City and in particular in CD#3, additional monies are needed to support programs and the purchase of equipment. Responsible Agency: Community Assistance Unit 11 403200201E CAU supports continuation of the graffiti removal program.


 * Request: Fund After School Programs.

Explanation: We have had a significant increase in population of more than 40%. The majority of this increase can be attributed to those individuals under 18 years of age. Funding for youth programs would be highly beneficial to our community. Responsible Agency: Department of Youth & Community Development 12 403201202E Presently, there are a variety of agency-funded programs in the district for this target population. Additional programs are contingent upon available funding and will be distributed through an RFP process. Organizations are encouraged to apply.


 * Request: Restore and Increase Daily Litter Basket Collection to twice per day in our commercial Districts -- (37th Ave.;Junction Blvd.; Roosevelt Ave.; Northern Blvd.; 103rd St. and 74th St.).

Explanation: In order to improve the level of cleanliness throughout the district, increase Litter basket collection to twice per day, especially in our commercial areas. Responsible Agency: Department of Sanitation 13 403199906E More information is needed from the community board before making a funding decision. The agency will contact the board.


 * Request: Fund Gifted Programs,Special Education and Increase After School Programs in CD#3.

Explanation: There is a severe shortage of programs in CD#3. Parents and residents alike have cause for concern. All too often our children are bused to schools located outside of the District. Students travel a minimum of an hour each way to receive these specialized services. Our children deserve quality education and enrichment programs that are based in our neighborhood schools. In addition, there are not enough No fee after school programs available to our poor and working poor residents. We urge the Board of Education fund these programs. Responsible Agency: Department of Education 14 403199907E In 2011 seats for every gifted child will be made available within the district. See http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/Gifted andTalented/default.htm for details. Added funds were allocated to schools in FY 09-10 which can be used for added after school programs at the discretion of the principal. See http://schools.nyc.gov/Aboutus/Funding/c4e/default.htm for more on Contracts for Excellence and http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/Funding/ FundingAllocations/default.htm for more information on the supplemental Children First funds.


 * Request: Restore and Increase Adult Day Care Programs in Jackson Heights and North Corona.

Explanation: Seniors residing in this section of the District have had to go without these critical services because there are very few programs in the area to effectively address the needs of seniors residing in Jackson Heights and North Corona, funding levels for Adult Day Care Programs must be increased. There are several facilities within the community that could be made available to house these programs. Responsible Agency: Department for the Aging 15 403200202E DFTA will continue to advocate for increased funding support for aging services.


 * Request: Restore/ Increase Day Care Slots.

Explanation: Our community's population increased by 32%, which is more than 40,000 new residents. Many of our new arrivals are young families who require day care services,however the existing services are not sufficient. We urgently request additional funding for day care services. Responsible Agency: Administration for Children's Services 16 403200805E This request cannot be funded in FY 2012. Resubmit for consideration in FY 2013.


 * Request: Restore /Increase Community Board Budgets AND Communications With 311, DOITT and CECM

Explanation: The purposed budget cuts will have a devastating affect on the operation of community boards. Community Boards are already understaffed, under funded and have always worked with less even during times of prosperity. The reduction will certainly result in losing at least one staff person, in which we can not afford. We ask that the mayor, elected officials and OMB work with community boards to find alternative means to address the City's financial short falls. Bridge the communications gap between Community Boards, 311, Doitt and CECM. It is critically important that information is shared and our input is sought before procedural changes are instituted. Responsible Agency: Office of Management and Budget 17 403200003E The community boards' budget is maintained as per the January plan.


 * Request: Re-Establish Neighborhood Business Development Programs.

Explanation: Implement Economic Development Program to include entrepreneurial training, loan packaging, Micro Loan Program, management training, export assistance. Coordinate Neighborhood Redevelopment, Marketing and Anti-Graffiti Programs. Will benefit 50,000 residents of North Corona, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. Responsible Agency: Department of Small Business Services 18 403199407E This request is more than ten years old. DSBS cannot respond without more current information. (This program cannot be funded at this time.) The agency is available to provide technical assistance to the proposed sponsor. Contact DSBS for a follow-up. Supported by: Northern Boulevard Merchants Association


 * Request: Hire Additional Traffic Enforcement Agents

Explanation: Hire additional white hat agents to address traffic congestion in high traffic areas within the district. Responsible Agency: Police Department 19 403201201E NYPD total staffing levels depend on decisions made in the Preliminary and Executive budget process. Allocation of uniformed personnel is scheduled by the NYPD only after graduation of Police classes from the Academy. Availability of civilian personnel is limited due to recent reductions to the civilian headcount.


 * Request: Purchase Light Tower for the 115th Precinct.

Explanation: The 115th Precinct sorely needs a light tower. Responsible Agency: Police Department 20 403200504E There are no commands with their own light tower. If the need arises, the command will be loaned one from the Building Maintenance Section.


 * Request: Purchase Additional Wenger Wagons

Explanation: Purchase Wenger Wagons,there are very few in the Borough of Queens. Purchase an additional Wagons so it can be made available to the Department and for community events at No or Low fees. Responsible Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation 21 403200802E The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Purchase A School Sanitation Pick Up Truck

Explanation: The purchase of a school sanitation truck would help QW3 expedite school collections. Currently, QW3 has to borrow equipment from another district and sometimes the pick up truck is not readily available. Responsible Agency: Department of Sanitation 22 403200503E The agency will try to accommodate this issue within existing resources.


 * Request: Increase Hospital Beds at Elmhurst Hospital.

Explanation: Additional beds are sorely needed at Elmhurst Hospital, the only hospital in our district. Responsible Agency: Health and Hospitals Corporation 23 403200901E This request is not recommended for funding.

Local websites, blogs...
There are several web resources available to residents of Jackson Heights:
 * JacksonHeightsLife.com - A general discussion board used by many residents, particularly in the historic area. A good place to find out about neighborhood developments. There are many reports of the site having helped locate lost dogs, guided residents to home and child care providers, new and good restaurants, etc.
 * Jackson Heights Green Alliance - Jackson Heights Green Alliance, Inc. (JH Green) is a community group dedicated to "increasing and improving open spaces in our neighborhood."
 * Jackson Heights Beautification Group - A 20 year old civic organization that facilitates many local activities. No conversations on the site but information about the JHBG's many activities.
 * Jackson Heights Dog Park - A great place for dogs and people to meet and talk/bark.
 * Queens 7 - This site follows immigration issues which are of interest to many residents in this largely immigrant neighborhood.
 * The Jackson Heights Food Group - Presents a lot of info on places to eat in Queens, with tours and restaurant reviews a highlight. Many of the eateries are in Jackson Heights, but there's not a simple way to filter for just this neighborhood.