Queens land use plans will create over 5,000 thousand units of affordable housing<\/p>\n
City Hall, November 13, 2008 \u2013 At today\u2019s Stated Council meeting, the members of the New York City Council will vote on two critically important land use developments in Queens. Together, the Hunter\u2019s Point South and Willets Point development plans will create over 5,000 thousand units of affordable housing and help stimulate the local economy.<\/p>\n
HUNTER\u2019S POINT SOUTH<\/p>\n
The Hunter\u2019s Point South project will create an affordable water front community for middle income families in Long Island City, Queens. This is the largest subsidized project in New York City since Starrett City opened in the 1970s.<\/p>\n
Built on approximately 30 acres, the plan will create 5,000 housing units, 60 percent of which will be affordable to middle income families. There is also a provision for the creation of 500 units for lower-income families. In addition to housing, the project will include retail space, community and cultural facilities, new schools and a new continuous waterfront park.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an affordable housing crisis in our City, and it reaches across all income bands,\u201d said Councilman Eric Gioia. \u201cThe middle class is being driven to the suburbs, and the working class is being driven into squalor. This project is a big step in the right direction as we both make room for the middle class and jumpstart further affordable housing in the neighborhood. For my entire lifetime, the waterfront has been cut off from the people of Queens. Today we are opening it up with parks, schools, and housing for all New Yorkers. We must continue to work diligently to address this crisis and identify opportunities for more affordable housing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe creation of affordable housing is the challenge of our time,\u201d said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. \u201cAt a time when we are losing middleclass housing faster than we are producing it, this project is a great example of how we can foster development that will literally build middle class communities. I want to commend Council Member Gioia for his tremendous work on this critically important project.\u201d<\/p>\n
In what is the largest affordable housing project in the Queens\u2019 history, the project also includes a new home ownership program, with 225 units set aside for middle income New Yorkers. By redeveloping the waterfront and investing in western Queens, the Council is creating a magnet for middle income New Yorkers just a heartbeat away from Manhattan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our vote today we will be creating a vibrant, sustainable and well designed middle income community and waterfront park in Hunter\u2019s Point South on abandoned manufacturing land just minutes from Midtown,\u201d said Land Use Committee Chair Melinda Katz. \u201cI congratulate Council Member Gioia for his tireless efforts on behalf of his community and for securing an agreement to create sorely needed affordable units for low income seniors.\u201d<\/p>\n
WILLETS POINT<\/p>\n
The Willets Point Redevelopment Plan will transform a blighted industrial site into a vibrant new community that will include a state of the art convention center, new public open spaces and other community amenities. Most importantly, the project will create thousands of mixed-income residential units, with 35% affordable housing for low and middle income families.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we stand together in support of a plan that puts people first \u2013 the people of Queens,\u201d said Council Member Hiram Monserrate. \u201cThis new and improved plan reflects the true potential of large-scale development projects. It proves that we can include the best long-term planning and the smartest allocation of resources while keeping our moral responsibility to the families and workers affected. I want to thank Speaker Quinn and my Council colleagues for their work in creating a \u2018how to\u2019 model when it come to redeveloping areas in our city, one that creates vibrant and healthy communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Willets Point Redevelopment Plan is sure to create New York City\u2019s next great neighborhood,\u201d said Speaker Quinn. \u201cThrough collaboration with many different city agencies, community groups, and labor organizations, this redevelopment project will become a major engine for economic growth for New York City. Over the coming years, Willets Point will be transformed from a contaminated industrial site to a dynamic regional destination.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to public improvements, the project will also create construction jobs at a time when the City needs to stimulate economic growth. Once construction is complete, about 5,000 of the jobs will remain permanent. They will incorporate a diverse array of fields, such as retail, office, entertainment, restaurant, education and hospitality, as well as nearly 1,000 jobs associated with the convention center. Many of these jobs will expand meaningful opportunities for minority and women owned businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Willets Point Plan is a complex urban renewal plan and rezoning that came together with the cooperation of all parties,\u201d said Land Use Committee Chair Melinda Katz. \u201cThis plan will create jobs, affordable housing, a world class convention center and bring stability to this area for years to come. With this vote, during tough economic times, we will be also creating conditions on the ground that will allow the private sector to respond when the market rebounds. I look forward to walking through this new neighborhood and knowing that I was fortunate enough to be a part of the birth of a new community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWillets Point has long had the potential to become an important economic engine in our City,\u201d said Planning Sub-committee Chair Daniel R. Garodnick. \u201cToday, we take the important first step toward turning potential into reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
To assist displaced businesses, the proposal will also offer workforce training and assistance programs. Working in conjunction with LaGuardia Community College, the City will offer English as a Second Language education, GED test preparation, subsidies and other financial incentives to encourage participation in educational programs and other social services. Additionally, the City will offer relocation assistance to the businesses that will be displaced as a result of this project.<\/p>\n
The Willets Point plan will also provide the opportunity to clean up the area and begin the process of making much needed improvements to the area\u2019s infrastructure. Willets Point suffers from widespread environmental contamination from petroleum and other hazardous materials.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Queens land use plans will create over 5,000 thousand units of affordable housing<\/p>\n
City Hall, November 13, 2008 \u2013 At today\u2019s Stated Council meeting, the members of the New York City Council will vote on two critically important land use developments in Queens. Together, the Hunter\u2019s Point South and Willets Point development plans will create over 5,000 thousand units of affordable housing and help stimulate the local economy.<\/p>\n
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