2,500 Affordable Housing Units, New School, Open Spaces & NYC’s First Electric Soccer Stadium Moving Forward

NEW YORK (April 11, 2024) – In a significant milestone for affordable housing and economic development in Queens, the New York City Council today approved the transformative Willets Point revitalization plan with a strong 47-1 vote. This historic project will introduce 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing, marking the largest affordable housing development in the city since the 1980s.

In addition to the affordable housing units, the approved plan includes:
• Over 1,500 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs
• Construction of a new 650-seat public elementary school to alleviate overcrowding
• Creation of 40,000 square feet of new public open space
• Development of retail areas and a 250-room hotel
• Construction of New York City’s first fully electric, privately-funded soccer stadium built entirely with union labor
• Projected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact
With the City Council’s approval, the Willets Point Plan now proceeds to Mayor Eric Adams for final approval.
The groundbreaking for the first 1,100 affordable housing units started in December 2023. Today’s approval allows the full 2,500-unit affordable housing vision and greater revitalization to move forward.

“I am thrilled by the City Council’s approval of the Willets Point Revitalization Plan Phase II. This once-in-a-lifetime project, is one complete package with 100% affordable housing, job opportunities, quality education, community amenities, economic prosperity, and New York City’s first electric, privately funded soccer stadium,” stated Council Member Francisco Moya. “The revitalization of Willets Point represents a bold step toward a brighter future not only for Queens but for all of New York City, and I proudly stand with our community in championing this transformative initiative. This development marks the largest influx of affordable housing units in 40 years, and it’s more than just about the stadium—it’s about creating a new, thriving neighborhood for my constituents. I am immensely proud of the work that I’ve been able to do to get this project to where it is today.”

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PRESS CONTACT: Chantal Alba 917-993-1697, calba@council.nyc.gov