City Takes Major Step Towards Advancing Equitable and Sustainable Vision for Willets Point

Queens, NY— December 5, 2023 — With a strong 37-2 vote on the night of Monday, December 4, Community Board 7 approved phase two of the Willets Point development, marking a big step in tackling the city’s housing issues. The project, featuring 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing, is set to become the city’s biggest affordable housing community since the 1980s.

Beyond housing, the plan brings over 1,500 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs, providing stability for our community. It includes a 650-seat elementary school to ease the burden on neighboring overfilled schools, and envisions improved open spaces, retail areas, a 250-room hotel, and the city’s first fully electric, privately funded soccer stadium—constructed entirely with union labor.

The once-called “valley of ashes” is expected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years. Willets Point is a key force in creating and stabilizing the next generation of middle-class families in Queens. As we navigate the land use process, our commitment remains strong to achieving positive outcomes for Willets Point residents and the broader Queens and New York City community.

Key Features of Phase 2:
1,400 units of the total 2,500 affordable homes
650-seat public school
40,000 square feet of public open space
Retail space
250-key hotel
Soccer stadium

The first 1,100 units of housing in the Willets Point Transformation have completed the ULURP process, with groundbreaking expected by the end of 2023.

Now, we have the chance to complete what we started.

“I’m thrilled about the green light given to the Willets Point Revitalization Plan by Community Board 7. This game-changing project, embracing 100% affordable housing, smart urban planning, and the cutting-edge NYCFC stadium, resonates with our shared goal of nurturing a vibrant and robust community, “said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya. “This revitalization of Willets Point is a bold leap toward a better future for our borough, and I’m proud to stand alongside the community in championing this exciting transformation.“

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PRESS CONTACT: Chantal Alba – 786-973-5530 – chantal@teammoya.com; calba@council.nyc.gov