Nonprofit Leader Hope Knight ’85 Spearheads Successful Bid for Urban Development Grant

Hope Knight ’85, President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC), has spearheaded a successful bid for a $10 million grant to improve the vitality of local city center Jamaica, Queens.

The proposal, developed in partnership with York College/CUNY, was one of more than 120 submitted in New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative competition.

Knight also serves as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Marymount Manhattan College.

In announcing Jamaica as the winner of the $10 million grant, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo predicted that “this vibrant core of Queens” will become “a magnet for opportunity that will continue to attract private investment and generate economic activity for generations to come.”

Along with state and local leaders, Knight expressed gratitude for the funding. “This investment will invigorate Jamaica,” she said, “and ensure this area remains a valued place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”

Knight is featured in a NY1 television news segment on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative competition. To read more about Knight and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation visit http://gjdc.org

Published: August 17, 2016