Goodwin Procter counsel Michael Litchman recently advised the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) in its announced plans to facilitate the development of 160,000 SF of retail space in downtown Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. The project, estimated to cost $50 million, is a collaborative effort between GJDC, Blumenfeld Development Group and local and state officials. Litchman provided a significant majority of his services, having a value of approximately $135,000, on a pro bono basis.
The Jamaica development project will include:
• Retail space with the capacity to accommodate a modern big box retailer;
• A state-of-the-art parking garage that is anticipated to accommodate more than 500 vehicles; and
• 180 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs.
The development project was announced at a joint press conference in May 2013 which was attended by Congressman Gregory Meeks. The project marks the return of department stores to the Jamaica community, which was home to the first Macy’s outside of Manhattan.
The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is one of New York’s oldest not-for-profit local development corporations. Since its founding in 1967, GJDC has stressed economic development as it pursues its community-building mission. GJDC envisions Downtown Jamaica as a modern and efficient mixed-use regional center offering a pleasant and productive experience for those who work, live, and visit here.
“Being a force for public good in the communities in which we practice has always been a tradition at Goodwin Procter. I’ve been proud to be a part of this transaction, which I believe will promote the renaissance of downtown Jamaica,” said Litchman, a member of the Goodwin’s Real Estate, REITs & Real Estate Capital Markets practices. Litchman practices in both the Boston and New York offices of the firm and was previously recognized in 2012 by the New York State Bar Association for his pro bono work.