Forest Hills is home to FEMA center for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

Image source: Forest Hills Tower

The NYDN reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be using the old JetBlue space in the Forest Hills Tower building on Queens Boulevard (GMAP) in which to coordinate Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Ironically, back in April when JetBlue moved to LIC, Leslie Brown, president of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce said, “Hopefully, [we’ll] get another big client to fill those spaces.” FEMA certainly fits the bill.

FEMA agency spokesperson Bill Rukeyser said, “This will be the hub in terms of the recovery from Sandy. We are used to the idea of having to set up a quite complex operation on short notice.” They expect to be in the area at least a year, due the extensive damage that happened as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Rukeyser said that this is the biggest disaster he’s ever worked on.

For now, FEMA will be using the space as-is, including the existing wiring and WiFi networks, as well as using folding tables instead of completely making over the space as a corporate company might. They are more interested in getting affected people the assistance they need, rather than focusing on the space. This FEMA office will occupy 10 stories in the building.

FEMA setting up center in Forest Hills [NYDN]
JetBlue departure leaves void [NYDN]