Jezzy Warren, 37, is proprietor of JJ Eva Spice which serves Jamaican specialties like jerk chicken, oxtails and ackee and salt fish at 579 Broadway. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Kingston Wire: How did you or your family come to Kingston?

Jezzy Warren: My mom had a restaurant called Jackie's Tasty Convenience Store down where Top Taste is now, so she led us up here from Far Rockaway, Queens back in 2005.

KW: What do you like about Kingston?

JW: It’s quiet here compared with the city, that’s what I like. I also like that it’s historical, it was the first capital. It can also be a good town to do business in depending on what type of business you’re trying to do.

KW: What would you change about Kingston?

JW: I would change how they just set up the road [on Broadway] I don’t like it all. It’s just kind of scary how you have to park next to the bike lane then you’ve got oncoming traffic when you get out of your car. I stand here and watch, sometimes people will park to go into the pizzeria across the street and then they’ll have a hard time getting in or out of the car. I don’t like the parking.

KW: How do you think Kingston will be different in 10 years?

JW: I think it will be more like New York City. They’re already doing it with the roads and the bike lanes. The population is going to increase a lot. As far as the economy around here, it’s going to keep getting more expensive. Rents right now are out of this world. When I first came here in 2005 you could get a one-bedroom apartment for $400 with everything included; you could get a three-bedroom house with a garage for $800, $900, $1,000 tops, everything included. You’ll never see that again in Kingston. Right now, minimum is like $2,500 and nothing is included.