Plans to build the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Jamaica were blocked by a legal battle between the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. and Robin Eshaghpour, who owned a portion of the property at 93-43 Sutphin Blvd.Even though Eshaghpour had sold the property, he tried to hold onto a 99-year lease he had for the site.
A state Supreme Court judge ruled Eshaghpour had to accept the $444,000 payment for his remaining interest in the property, opening the way for Greater Jamaica to sell the entire property - including the land - to developer Able Management Group for $4.5 million.
"This is the first of what will be many positive and productive developments that take advantage of Jamaica's unique transportation assets for the benefit of all those who live, work and visit the area," said Greater Jamaica president, Carlisle Towery.
The 240-room hotel will rise 24 stories across from the Air Train on Sutphin Blvd. — a 10-minute ride to JFK Airport and a 22-minute commute to midtown Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road.
Officials hope the 4-star hotel will lure business travelers and others to the once-rundown area that is now being redeveloped into a destination.
In a neighborhood once plagued by empty storefronts and rundown 99 cent stores, the development is considered a major coup in its bid to rebrand itself as a thriving community of shops, restaurants and hotels.
Business leaders expect it to have a domino effect of spurring new development in the area. It’s a sign that Jamaica, once a middle-class community filled with department stores, is on its way back.
City tourism officials believe the new hotel will be a hit with budget-conscious travelers looking for an easy airport commute.
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