New York Construction Report staff writer
New York City Council committees voted Thursday to approve the Adams administration’s Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a major rezoning initiative in southeast Queens that aims to create nearly 12,000 new housing units, including 4,000 permanently affordable homes, and over 2 million square feet of commercial space.
The plan covers more than 300 blocks, primarily within Community District 12 and parts of Community District 8, and would map the largest Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) zone in city history, unlocking opportunities for nearly 3,800 affordable homes on privately owned sites. The Department of City Planning estimates the project will take roughly 15 years to fully implement.
Mayor Eric Adams said the rezoning will help address long-standing housing and business challenges in Jamaica.
“With today’s vote, we’re one step closer to bringing forth an even more thriving and vibrant Jamaica where New Yorkers of all income levels can thrive,” Adams said. “Jamaica’s zoning has curtailed new housing opportunities and limited new businesses, making it harder for working-class families to stay in their community. It’s past time we changed that.”
The plan is part of a broader effort by the city to modernize Jamaica as a residential, commercial, and transit hub. In addition to housing, the plan is expected to generate more than 7,000 jobs and includes $413 million in community investments secured by the City Council. These investments will fund sewer infrastructure upgrades, parks and open spaces, transportation improvements, public health resources, and educational facilities.
Significant funding is earmarked for transportation and public space projects along Archer Avenue, including:
- $17.9 million for a new public plaza at the western end of the Archer Avenue bus terminal.
- $5.75 million to remove the bus terminal canopy and install new bus shelters.
- $3 million for community-driven public art.
- $47 million to develop Station Plaza and improve pedestrian spaces, lighting, signage, and wayfinding.
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called the committee votes “an important step forward,” noting that neighborhood investments would not have been possible without the Council’s role in the land use process.
Committee chairs praised the plan for addressing housing needs and promoting community-led development. Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., chair of the Land Use Committee, called it a meaningful step toward tackling the city’s housing crisis.
Despite committee approval, Community Boards 8 and 12 previously rejected the plan in non-binding votes. Community Board 12 chair Carlene Thorbs expressed concerns that the rezoning could negatively affect homeowners by introducing more multi-story apartment buildings.
The plan now moves to a vote by the full city council. If approved, it will be the largest neighborhood rezoning in New York City in more than 20 years.
