Evolution of Northern Boulevard in Queens, New York

Six months ago, Chiquito Liquor Store opened at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 101st Street in Queens, fulfilling Elvis Espinal's dream of owning a business in Jackson Heights. Espinal says it is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens.
The store is one of several new businesses along Northern Boulevard, highlighting an economic investment that longtime Jackson Heights residents. Many point out that the influx of new stores further highlights a diverse neighborhood that continues to evolve.
Terry Lewis and Celeste Douglas are excited about new places to grocery shop or have dinner but Celeste admitted she does have some concerns about rising rents potentially pushing out residents and small businesses.
Metro Auto Body has been on Northern Boulevard for almost 60 years. Workers have seen Jackson Heights' ebb and flow through the decades. Manager Jay Reed says they do like what they're seeing now.
--ANTWAN LEWIS
#NYC #Queens #JacksonHeights #business #residential #rents #neighborhood #community

[@ulovetashi]

I’ve been here all my life and it’s great seeing these changes but it’s sad seeing so many neighbors leave because they couldn’t afford the rent anymore or because their jobs in the neighborhood disappeared because developers came in and built huge apartment buildings. It’s kind of sad and I wish people could’ve seen how diverse this neighborhood was around 2001. Literally everyone knew everyone from the store owners to the lady pushing the Italian ice push cart. Most of our neighbors worked in the World Trade Center and I remember so many of us waiting until it was dark out to make sure our neighbors made it out the building safely. Corona, East Elmhurst and Jackson heights has changed drastically since then. People move in and move out quickly, it’s no neighborly love anymore. Just places to spend money.

[@miggiewarms632]

Except that 101st Street & Northern Blvd. is in Corona, not Jackson Heights. Duh.

[@williammcfadden2869]

Wonderful to see the new businesses opening up. I hope that all of the businesses were able to withstand the shutdowns of the past few months and that they will be reopening soon and thriving once again. The lady interviewed does have a valid point about tenants being priced out of neighborhoods. With that in mind hopefully the business community can take actions to prevent that from happening. Best of luck to all along Northern Blvd in Jackson Heights Queens.

[@garyeisenberg4251]

I remember Jackson hts 1965