QBP RICHARDS ON CITY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVING WILLETS POINT REDEVELOPMENT PHASE II

(March 6, 2024 at 5:15pm)

QUEENS, NY – Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated the following in response to the City Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of Phase II of the Willets Point redevelopment plan, which includes the construction of 1,400 affordable housing units, a 25,000-seat soccer stadium and more.

“We are one step closer toward scoring a historic goal for Queens. I applaud the City Planning Commission for its unanimous and commonsense vote in favor of such a monumentally important project, as we bring the bright future of the former ‘Valley of Ashes’ into focus,” said Borough President RICHARDS. “More work remains on finalizing tangible commitments to the surrounding communities of Corona, Flushing and East Elmhurst. But there is no doubt that Phase II of Willets Point’s redevelopment will be a difference maker for Queens in terms of expanding our affordable housing stock, growing the World’s Game in the World’s Borough, boosting our economy and more. I was proud to recommend approval of this project earlier this year and I appreciate the diligence of all involved as we make this initiative as community-focused as possible.”

In January 2024, Borough President Richards recommended approval of Phase II of the Willets Point redevelopment plan with conditions regarding local hiring, community partnerships and area infrastructure improvements. The recommendation came after a well-attended public hearing in December 2023. That same month, Borough President Richards helped break ground on Phase I of the Willets Point redevelopment plan, which includes the construction of nearly 900 units of affordable housing.

Follow the Office of the Queens Borough President via @QnsBPRichards on X (formerly Twitter) and @QueensBPRichards on Facebook and Instagram

###