Jamaica Estates in amNY
amNY has another profile on Queens, this time focusing on the lovely community of Jamaica Estates. It’s a highly desirable neighborhood because of the good schools and libraries, and the tudor architecture… for some. Jamaica Estates is plagued by the arrival of the McMansion, homes built in a style vastly different from the 1920s architecture prevalent in the area. Some people hate it, some love it, but both can agree that it’s the source of much controversy:
The style of the newer houses (one realtor charitably called it “Mediterranean”) is radically different from the area’s trademark Tudor architecture. In some cases, ancient maple, ash and oak trees are taken down to make room for the houses, upsetting longtime residents. “They really resent it. They feel the area has lost its charm and its uniqueness,” said Julia Shildkret, owner of Julia Shildkret Realty Group. “These structures are taller, imposing, dwarfing the houses around them, taking away the light.”
Along with the McMansions, zoning changes are coming to the south in Jamaica, which could affect Jamaica Estates to the north. There’s a plan that was recently proposed by the city’s Planning department that would rezone 368 blocks of Jamaica, allowing construction of seven- to 12-story towers along Hillside Avenue, which borders the south of Jamaica Estates. This would definitely change the character of the area even more, bringing increased traffic and further crowding.
I think it sucks that so many old trees are coming down. What is up with people in this town chopping down the trees??? Ugh.
And how ironic is it that Real Estate mogul Donald Trump grew up in Jamaica Estates! I wonder what he thinks of the changes in his hometown…
- City Living: Jamaica Estates [amNY]
Related: They Came From Queens - Donald Trump From Jamaica Estates [about.com]
