Founded February, 2001 by the initiatives of congressman Gregory Meeks and
senator Malcolm Smith, New Direction Local Development Corporation, (" NDLDC") is incorporated in New York State as a not for profit corporation. It applied for and received not for profit recognition under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The corporation was formed to improve the quality of life of the residents of the of South East Queens and Rockaway areas. The improvement contemplated is both economic and social. These geographic areas have been historically under developed and have suffered both socially and economically as a result of this neglect.

NDLDC plans to do this through working with various community organizations, such as civic associations, Churches and business organizations to identify the projects that are most in need of improvement. These projects can be commercial strips, recreational facilities or parks.

NDLDC will identify and investigate funding sources that will be willing to fund the various projects identified. These funds will then be administered by NDLDC to assure the successful completion of the identified project. These funds may be from public or private sources, or the corporation can work to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors in meeting the development needs of the community identified.

The goal of this exercise to attract additional traffic to the stores which will in turn create additional jobs in the neighborhood. All of these upgrades and beautification projects will improve the safety to these neighborhoods. This will directly benefit the residents of the area in that their quality of life will improve and they will enjoy the convenience of being able to shop and work in their own neighborhoods.

NDLDC will also analyze future projects for its impact on the community and for fiscal viability. In line with this, the corporation will locate experienced developers who are not only willing to do these projects, but will also commit to working with local businesses to bring the projects to fruition as well as making it part of their mission to mentoring a small business in the area in an effort to have these local businesses reach fiscal viability and independence. Again, this will allow for improvement of the area as well as provide for employment opportunities since new businesses will be created and existing businesses expanded. It will also allow for the neighborhoods to maintain an attractive and pleasing atmosphere and create jobs so that residents be able to work in the neighborhoods in which they live.

NDLDC will also serve as a repository for business opportunities in the area. These can range from potential joint venture opportunities between two or more local businesses, all the way to franchising opportunities that present themselves. It will impart this information to the local residents by dialogue with local churches, various community based organizations, block associations, Chambers of Commerce, local chapters of the NAACP and various other national organizations as well as advertisements in local newspapers.

The funding sources for accomplishing these goals will include Federal grants and programs. State grants and programs Private foundation grants, fund-raising activities as well as donations from private industry.