Join me this week (on the show’s first anniversary!) as we journey to Jackson Heights, Queens.

My guests will be Queens historian and author Jason Antos, and longtime Jackson Heights resident New York City Council Member Danny Dromm.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces the first guest of the night, historian and author, Jason Antos. Jason begins by discussing how he first began discovering his neighborhood as a child. He also discusses how he became interested in the Queens Historical Society. Even at a young age, Jason was curious and would do research on the history of Queens. He then goes on and talks about the history of the neighborhood of Jackson Heights and how it got its name. He talks about the significance of “Heights” in the name of the neighborhood. He also talks about the Dutch and British history in Queens. He ends the segment by discussing the IRT, the Queensboro Bridge, and the Garden Apartment Movement. 

Segment 2

Jason begins this segment by talking about the books he has authored, and upcoming books. The history and construction of Linden Court is discussed next. Jason transitions into exploring the history of the first buildings with elevators in them, and where they were built. Next, Jason discusses how there was once an airport in Jackson Heights; Homes Airport. He tells the audience an interesting fact of how the runway of the airport is still there; it’s used as a through-street. The conversation then shifts into how the influx of immigrants influenced the neighborhood. Jason concludes the conversation by talking about the work he does with the Queens Historical Society.

Segment 3

The second guest of the night is introduced, Danny Dromm. Danny is a New York City Council member, lives in Jackson Heights, and is fluent in Spanish. Danny begins to chat about how he came to settle in Jackson Heights. He then chats about how and why he became a public servant as a teacher. Danny continues by talking about his early days of activism and his work with the LGBT community. He tells us of how and why he transitioned into the NYC Council from activism. He talks about how he came up with the idea for  the Queen Pride parade. Danny ends the segment by talking about how he believes LGBT programs should be in schools.

Segment 4

Danny opens this segment by talking about the vibe/atmosphere in Jackson Heights. He says that the diversity makes the neighborhood an exciting place. Danny continues the conversation by discussing how the neighborhood has changed throughout the years. He then chats about how he’s worried about gentrification and the price of everything rising. Danny then give advice to anyone that wants to open/start a business in the neighborhood. Danny then discuss how he sees the future of Jackson Heights. Danny ends the segment by telling the audience his future career goals after his NYC Council membership ends.