Introduction to the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan
New York City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use have both unanimously voted on Thursday to approve the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, an ambitious rezoning proposal that aims to add almost 12,000 new homes in southeast Queens.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal, which covers more than 300 blocks located primarily within Community District 12 and parts of Community District 8, aims to create approximately 11,800 new housing units, including 4,000 permanently affordable income-restricted units, in addition to creating over 2 million square feet of commercial space.
Expected Outcomes
The neighborhood plan, which is part of the Dept. of City Planning’s (DCP) multipronged rezoning plan for Jamaica, is also anticipated to bring more than 7,000 jobs to the area. DCP estimates that the neighborhood plan will take 15 years to come to fruition.
Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Zone
The plan 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. It is also the largest neighborhood rezoning in New York City in over 20 years.
Approval Process
In August, the City Planning Commission voted 11-2 in favor of the rezoning plan as part of the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), moving the plan forward to the City Council.
Committee Approval
The Council’s Land Use Committee and Zoning Subcommittee both unanimously approved the plan on Oct. 9, moving the plan forward to a vote by the full Council.
‘Major investments’
A Council spokesperson said the Council’s direct negotiating role in the land use process for the neighborhood plan has ensured that the rezoning will provide $413 million in 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.
Infrastructure Improvements
A Council spokesperson said it secured “major investments” to address chronic flooding and sewer infrastructure issues, including targeted stormwater management and green infrastructure projects.
Downtown Jamaica Improvements
The Council has also secured commitments to fund improvements to Archer Avenue in order to improve Downtown Jamaica as a transportation hub.
That funding includes $17.9 million to create a new public plaza on the western end of the Archer Avenue bus terminal in an area currently overrun by illegally parked cars and $5.75 million to remove the Archer Avenue bus terminal canopy and install new bus shelters.
Additional Funding
The funding would also provide $3 million to beautify the Archer Avenue Bus Terminal with community-driven public art in addition to $47 million to develop Station Plaza with new public spaces that will “dramatically” improve the environment along Archer Avenue.
Traffic Flow and Pedestrian Safety
The Council added that the investment will also improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety along Archer Avenue as well as reducing traffic congestion and upgrading lighting, signage and wayfinding.
Oversight Task Force
The Council will also convene a four-year independent Downtown Jamaica Oversight Task Force to ensure accountability and transparency of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan and ensure that the plan keeps its promises to the local community.
Community Initiatives
Those promises include a $70 million investment to fund the hospital expansion of the NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens’ Claire Shulman Pavilion; a $78 million investment to renovate Jamaica Avenue between Sutphin Boulevard and 168th Place; and a $21 million investment to improve four areas within Archie Spigner Park among many other community initiatives.
Sewer Infrastructure Upgrade
The neighborhood plan will also build on a previous commitment to invest $315 million to upgrade the area’s sewer infrastructure over the coming decades. The commitment was secured by the Council through the City for All housing plan, which aims to create affordable, livable and sustainable communities.
Next Steps
The City Planning Commission will now review modifications for scope-approval, prior to it being voted on by the full Council.
An ‘important step forward’
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams welcomed the committee votes on the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, stating that the rezoning will deliver tens of thousands of new homes and homeownership opportunities, thousands of new jobs and essential community investments.
Council Members’ Statements
Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams, who represents part of the area covered by the neighborhood plan, described the committee votes as an “important step forward.” However, she insisted that it is now critical that the plan “follows through” on the community priorities outlined over a two-year public engagement process.
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Eric Adams, whose administration launched the rezoning initiative in 2023, also welcomed the committee votes in a statement issued on Thursday.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., chair of the Committee on Land Use, said the committee’s approval of the neighborhood plan represents a meaningful step toward addressing the city’s housing crisis.
Community-Led Development
Council Member Kevin Riley, chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, said the neighborhood plan is a demonstration of what can be achieved when zoning and development are guided by community voices.
Conclusion
The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan has taken a significant step forward with the unanimous approval from the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Committee on Land Use. The plan aims to bring almost 12,000 new homes to southeast Queens, including 4,000 permanently affordable income-restricted units, and create over 2 million square feet of commercial space. The plan also includes major investments in community infrastructure, including $413 million in investments for water and sewer infrastructure, parks and open space, transportation and public realm improvements, public health and safety resources, and educational institutions.
FAQs
Q: What is the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan?
A: The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan is a rezoning proposal that aims to add almost 12,000 new homes in southeast Queens.
Q: How many affordable housing units will the plan create?
A: The plan will create approximately 4,000 permanently affordable income-restricted units.
Q: What is the expected timeline for the plan’s implementation?
A: The plan is expected to take 15 years to come to fruition.
Q: How much will the plan invest in community infrastructure?
A: The plan will provide $413 million in community investments for Jamaica.
Q: What is the next step in the approval process?
A: The City Planning Commission will now review modifications for scope-approval, prior to it being voted on by the full Council.
