Queens Residents Weigh Community Needs Against Praise Tabernacle Development Plans

Residents of Jamaica, Queens, expressed a mixture of excitement and concern during a public meeting held on November 13, 2025, focused on the proposed development of Praise Tabernacle. This project, spearheaded by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), aims to facilitate improvements to the church’s facilities while ensuring that long-standing community services continue.

Praise Tabernacle, established in 1979, operates as an independent church and serves as a community hub by providing educational and social programs, including after-school care, youth programs, and facilities for community events like weddings and funerals. Testimonies at the meeting revealed that many organizations already use the church for various gatherings, underscoring its vital role in the local community (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1376).

HPD officials explained that the existing church building sits across two lots, with HPD owning one lot that remains undeveloped. The new proposal would allow for the expansion and financial viability of Praise Tabernacle, alleviating concerns about ownership and control of the property. This transfer is seen as crucial for ensuring that the church’s community programs and outreach can thrive in the future (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1285).

Supporters of the project highlighted the potential benefits for the congregation and local residents. Improved facilities would enhance the church’s ability to provide essential services, including community outreach programs and educational opportunities. As one speaker noted, addressing the church’s infrastructure is critical not just for its congregation but for community groups that rely on it for events (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1376).

Concerns raised during the meeting included how the development might impact existing community dynamics and whether it might lead to increased traffic or displacement of local businesses. Attendees called for assurance that the development would prioritize local voices and needs. The emphasis on thoughtful, community-driven improvements resonated strongly among participants (Source: https://youtu.be/0uJlYb5W97w&t=1470).

Praise Tabernacle’s project aligns with broader city initiatives to enhance community facilities and support local economic development. As reflected in earlier coverage of related municipal meetings, residents in other underserved neighborhoods have similarly voiced their hopes for meaningful investments that enhance quality of life while promoting local engagement (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/11/07/mayor-adams-unveils-ambitious-housing-plan-27000-new-units-to-tackle-nycs-crisis/).

This current proposal and its community implications will be closely monitored as public discussions continue in the lead-up to the approval process. Residents and community stakeholders are eager to see how the development will proceed and what proactive measures will be implemented to preserve community integrity while enhancing resources available to local families.