{"id":2986,"date":"2025-10-09T14:34:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T18:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=2986"},"modified":"2025-10-09T14:34:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T18:34:16","slug":"nyc-council-land-use-committees-vote-to-approve-jamaica-neighborhood-plan-largest-neighborhood-rezoning-in-over-two-decades-that-will-deliver-nearly-12000-new-homes-7000-new-jobs-and-413-million","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2025\/10\/09\/2986\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC Council Land Use Committees Vote to Approve Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, Largest Neighborhood Rezoning in Over Two Decades that Will Deliver Nearly 12,000 New Homes, 7,000 New Jobs, and $413 Million in New Community Investments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rezoning will map the city\u2019s largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing Zone to require affordable housing and create over 2 million square feet of new commercial and community facilities<\/em><\/p>\n

Through years of community-driven planning and its direct negotiating role, the Council secured major neighborhood investments while expanding housing affordability<\/em><\/p>\n

City Hall, NY \u2013 <\/strong>Today, the New York City Council\u2019s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use voted to approve the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, New York City\u2019s largest neighborhood rezoning in over 20 years, that will deliver nearly 12,000 new homes, including nearly 4,200 permanently affordable homes in Southeast Queens. The rezoning will map the largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) zone in the entire city, paving the way for nearly 3,800 affordable homes to be built on privately-owned sites. The historic plan is expected to generate 7,000 new jobs and create over 2 million square feet of new commercial and community facility spaces.<\/p>\n

Through the City Council\u2019s direct negotiating role in the land use process, the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan will provide $413 million in new community investments for Jamaica, including for water and sewer infrastructure, parks and open space, transportation and public realm improvements, public health and safety resources, and educational institutions. The neighborhood investments build on previous funding secured by the Council for the Jamaica community to support local infrastructure and institutions, residents, and small businesses.<\/p>\n

The City Planning Commission will now review modifications for scope-approval, prior to it being voted on by the full Council.<\/p>\n

\u201cJamaica is a thriving and vibrant community, whose success is pivotal to the prosperity of Southeast Queens and our entire city,\u201d said Speaker Adrienne Adams<\/strong>. \u201cThe Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, the largest neighborhood rezoning in over two decades, will deliver tens of thousands of new homes and homeownership opportunities, thousands of new jobs, and essential community investments to improve our sewer infrastructure, parks, access to health care, cultural institutions, public and higher education, and quality of life. This level of neighborhood investment, housing affordability, and targeted commitments would not have been possible without the City Council’s direct role in the land use process to negotiate and secure community needs. Through this entire community planning process, led by Council Member Williams, the Steering Committee, and local stakeholders, we have shaped this rezoning that will guide Jamaica’s continued transformation into a residential, commercial, and transportation hub for local residents and all New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s committee votes mark an important step forward, but they also raise the stakes for what comes next,\u201d said Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams<\/strong>. \u201cFor over two years, we\u2019ve worked to make sure this plan is shaped by the people who live here, with truly affordable housing, schools that meet the needs of our families, safe streets, strong infrastructure, and support for our cultural institutions. As we move forward, I\u2019ll continue to fight for the resources and accountability Jamaica deserves. The work doesn\u2019t end with a vote; it begins with follow-through, and I\u2019ll be working alongside our community to make sure these commitments turn into lasting results.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s vote to advance the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan represents meaningful progress toward addressing New York City\u2019s affordable housing crisis,\u201d said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr, Chair of the Committee on Land Use<\/strong>. \u201cFor too long, the pace of new affordable construction has lagged behind the needs of our residents. Having delivered the most new affordable housing units in the Council, I am proud to continue partnering with my colleagues to confront this crisis and create safe, sustainable, and inclusive communities for all New Yorkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, I\u2019m proud to partner in leading the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, demonstrating what is possible when zoning and development decisions are guided by community voices and equity,\u201d said Council Member Kevin C. Riley<\/strong>. \u201cThis plan upholds the Council\u2019s commitment to comprehensive, community-led development that prioritizes residents\u2019 needs and shapes the future of our neighborhoods. It will help Jamaica grow by creating new housing opportunities, supporting local businesses, and advancing investments in infrastructure, transit, and public space. By prioritizing equitable planning that serves residents, we are not only strengthening Queens \u2014 we are advancing a model that benefits the entire city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the negotiation process, the Council secured major investments to address chronic flooding and sewer infrastructure issues, including targeted stormwater management and green infrastructure projects. To improve Downtown Jamaica as a transportation hub, the Council secured significant commitments to fund long overdue improvements to Archer Avenue, an essential point of connection in the public transit system, where tens of thousands of New Yorkers move between subways, buses, and the LIRR every day. These will create a new public plaza, improve pedestrian safety and bus shelters, and make the area more accessible for all residents.<\/p>\n

The Council also successfully negotiated over $145 million to expand access to health care for residents with a hospital expansion and new public health center, upgrade local school facilities, create two new parks, develop a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) center \u2014 the first of its kind in Queens \u2014, Queens\u2019 first Trauma Recovery Center to improve public safety, and redevelop a new, multi-service community center in South Jamaica.<\/p>\n

The new investments add to previously committed funding from the City to improve Downtown Jamaica, including $315 million to upgrade the area\u2019s sewer infrastructure through the Council\u2019s City for All housing plan. Other existing capital funding commitments include streetscape improvements along Jamaica Avenue, mitigations for York College\u2019s groundwater challenges, renovations to the Jamaica Performing Arts Center\u2019s outdoor space, and improvements to Station Plaza.<\/p>\n

To ensure ongoing accountability and transparency on the progress of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, the Council will convene a four-year independent Downtown Jamaica Oversight Task Force to share updates on the key objectives achieved through the rezoning plan.<\/p>\n

Highlights of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan include:<\/p>\n

New Housing<\/strong><\/p>\n