QUEENS, NY — October 23, 2026 — New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. commends State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for releasing a new economic snapshot of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, highlighting significant economic growth and the contributions of hardworking residents, small-business owners, and immigrant families who continue to strengthen Southeast Queens. 

The report, presented at a community gathering at the Queens Public Library today, revealed encouraging economic trends over the past decade, including a 14.3% increase in private-sector jobs, a 16.2% increase in businesses, and a 57.1% increase in total private-sector wages, reaching $2.6 billion. Average wages also increased by 37.5%. 

The report further highlighted improvements in household income, poverty reduction, homeownership, education, and life expectancy. 

“First, I want to commend Comptroller DiNapoli and his team for taking a closer look at the communities of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park and providing us with the facts that demonstrate just how far these neighborhoods have come,” said Senator Sanders. 

“Now, let me tell you something. These numbers didn't happen by accident. They are a testament to the hardworking people of South Ozone Park, Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill. These are families who get up every morning, go to work, open their businesses, raise their children, and invest in their neighborhoods. They are the backbone of our local economy.” 

Senator Sanders emphasized the significant contributions of the area's immigrant population, particularly its Indo-Caribbean, South Asian, and broader Caribbean communities. 

“At a time when immigrants are being criticized, blamed, and too often made to feel unwelcome, we need to recognize what they have contributed to our communities. These are people who came here seeking opportunity and, through hard work and determination, helped create opportunity for others. 

“They have opened businesses, created jobs, purchased homes, paid taxes, and enriched the cultural fabric of Queens. Our immigrant communities are not a burden on New York. They are an essential part of New York's strength and success.” 

Economic Growth and Community Stability 

According to the Comptroller's presentation, median household income in the area approached $89,000 in 2024, exceeding both the Queens borough average and New York City's approximately $81,000 median. 

The poverty rate declined from 14.6% to 12.6%, while homeownership reached approximately 58%, substantially higher than the Queens average of 44.4% and the citywide rate of 32.7%. 

The report also identified positive quality-of-life indicators, including higher-than-citywide English Language Arts proficiency rates among elementary and middle school students and life expectancy of 83.5 years in Richmond Hill and 81.9 years in South Ozone Park, compared with 81.3 years citywide. 

Ensuring Economic Development Benefits Local Residents 

Senator Sanders also pointed to major development projects shaping the future of Southeast Queens, including the $19 billion redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport, the expansion of Resorts World New York City, and the development of a comprehensive cancer center at Jamaica Hospital in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. 

“These investments represent tremendous opportunities, but we must ask an important question: Who is benefiting?” Senator Sanders said. 

“Are our young people getting access to these jobs? Are our small businesses receiving contracts? Are our minority- and women-owned businesses getting a fair opportunity to compete? And are the families who built these communities able to afford to remain here? 

“Economic development must also mean community development. We cannot celebrate billions of dollars in investment while the people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods are left behind.” 

The Senator called for stronger local hiring commitments, expanded workforce training, small-business contracting opportunities, and increased access to capital and technical assistance for neighborhood entrepreneurs. 

Addressing Challenges That Remain 

While recognizing the positive economic indicators, Senator Sanders stressed that the report also identifies challenges requiring continued government attention. 

These include rising housing and utility costs, lengthy commutes, public safety concerns, chronic flooding, and higher rates of diabetes and obesity compared with other parts of the city. 

He also noted the importance of supporting long-established small businesses along commercial corridors such as Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue; a sentiment shared by other elected officials in the area. 

“Progress is not simply measured by how many businesses open or how many billions of dollars are invested,” Sanders said. “It is measured by whether a senior can afford to remain in their home, whether a small-business owner can keep their doors open, whether a young person can find a good-paying job, and whether a family can live in a safe, healthy neighborhood.” 

A Call for Continued Partnership 

Senator Sanders expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of Comptroller DiNapoli, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, fellow elected officials, community organizations, labor representatives, and local business leaders. 

“This report gives us more than numbers. It gives us a roadmap for where we need to go next,” Sanders concluded. 

“We have every reason to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, but our responsibility is to turn this progress into lasting prosperity for everyone. 

“And let us never forget the people who made this possible — the hardworking families, entrepreneurs, and immigrants whose determination continues to build a stronger Southeast Queens. 

Their success is our community's success, and their contributions deserve recognition, respect, and opportunity.”