The Hip-Hop Summit hoped to have 203rd Street in Hollis Queens renamed after the legendary Jam Master Jay by the anniversary of his death, but plans may be delayed because of backdoor politics. Randy Fisher, the executive director of the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council in Jamaica, NY is accusing the Community Board No. 12 officials of disregarding a signed neighborhood petition for the renaming of the street that he says was hand-delivered to their office in May.
Some members of the community feel that the delay has been because of a contested City Council seat that candidate Stephen Jones, a Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council board member is looking to go after. The chairman of Community Board No. 12, James Davis, told NY Newsday the reason the petition was not considered before the summer recess is because the paperwork was late. Charles Fisher, founder and chairman of the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council said,“It would be a travesty of justice if the street naming of Jam Master Jay is not approved by the anniversary of his death. It is my hope that all parties can come together to resolve this issue.” James Davis said the petition would be acted upon when the committee meets again in September.
