By Bill Parry
An agreement has been reached by the Port Authority to expand truck parking at JFK Airport, a move set to alleviate concerns about illegal truck parking around the airport in southeast Queens. This development comes as a relief to residents who have long complained about the quality-of-life issues stemming from this problem, especially exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Port Authority’s Board of Governors approved a lease supplement with JFK AP LLC, the operator responsible for truck parking, fueling, and concessions at the airport. This agreement will significantly increase the facility’s truck parking spaces, tripling its capacity to accommodate the growing cargo volume at JFK. The aim is to diminish the number of trucks parking on residential streets and airport roads, addressing the community’s concerns.
Rick Cotton, the Port Authority’s Executive Director, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of this expansion. It not only addresses the community’s grievances regarding truck parking but also contributes positively to the environment and supports the drivers who play a crucial role in regional transportation.
James Johnson, an executive director of GatewayJFK and a resident of Cambria Heights, expressed enthusiasm for the Port Authority’s proactive steps to tackle the longstanding issue of truck parking scarcity in southeast Queens. He emphasized how this scarcity affects not only commercial tenants and businesses but also significantly impacts the daily lives of residents. Johnson sees this expansion as a testament to the Port Authority’s commitment to finding comprehensive solutions that balance industrial demands with community well-being.
GatewayJFK, a public-private partnership, focuses on providing services, enhancements, and advocacy for the off-airport cargo community in the district, aiming to benefit all residents, workers, and visitors.
The necessity of expanding the parking facility was underscored by the surge in online commerce during the pandemic, resulting in a 10% increase in cargo volume at the airport compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This expansion aims to address parking shortages while enhancing street safety and air quality in southeast Queens, a move praised by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
Additionally, the revised lease requires the parking and concessions operator to make concerted efforts to involve minority, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in procurement and construction opportunities.
Furthermore, a substantial investment is committed to the demolition of Building 110 at JFK to pave the way for a larger truck parking facility, including amenities like a truck wash, more electric vehicle charging stations, and a new concessions building.
This initiative has received support from various officials and community representatives, all recognizing its significance in alleviating the challenges faced by the residents and businesses in southeast Queens due to illegal truck parking. They see it as a step toward creating a more resilient, sustainable, and community-focused transportation hub, positively impacting the district’s overall well-being.
