an accord

"There is a new sense of enthusiasm," says Eric Deutsch,president of the Alliance for Downtown New York. The Alliance isemphasizing five priorities to serve as a road map for therevitalization. These include transportation, commercial and retailactivity, construction mitigation and diversification.

The group supports the proposed LIRR connection to JFK Airportand is also focused on attracting and retaining commercialbusinesses as well as retail. According to Alliance officials, thearea's work force, growing residential population and annualtourist traffic of eight million visitors is an untapped resourcefor marketers. "Smaller businesses are coming here," Deutsch adds."We've seen growth in professional services, creative services,healthcare and media companies. There has been a diversification ofthe tenant base. Tomorrow's jobs come from smaller businesses."Incentives have helped lure businesses to the area, but the 24/7community and better amenities will help to keep them there, henotes.