NYC's Bold Plan to Transform Jamaica and Atlantic Avenue

New York City is experiencing a job boom, and the Adams administration is responding with ambitious rezoning plans to meet the growing demand for housing and economic opportunities. Two key plans, focusing on Jamaica, Queens and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, promise significant improvements.

Jamaica, Queens: A Neighborhood Transformed

The Jamaica Neighborhood Plan targets a 230-block area, aiming to deliver over 12,000 new homes, including roughly 4,000 affordable units. This plan also includes:

• 7,000 new jobs and economic opportunities.
• $300 million in sewer improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
• Enhanced streetscapes along Jamaica Avenue.
• Investments in open spaces, job training, and cultural institutions.
• New housing and commercial development near the Jamaica Station, a major transit hub.

Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn: Revitalization on the Horizon

The Atlantic Avenue plan will bring 4,600 new homes (1,440 affordable) and 2,800 permanent jobs to a 21-block area, impacting Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Community improvements include:

• A $24.2 million investment in renovating St. Andrew’s Playground.
• Upgrades to Lowry Triangle to create a more vibrant community space.

A City of Yes: A Larger Vision

These plans reflect the “City of Yes” agenda – a commitment to pro-housing initiatives. The Department of City Planning is pursuing multiple neighborhood plans citywide, aiming to add over 50,000 housing units in the next 15 years. Other areas benefiting from similar initiatives include Midtown South, Long Island City, and the Bronx-Metro North Station area.

The Jamaica plan will now undergo a seven-month Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, including community board and Borough President reviews, before reaching the City Planning Commission and City Council. The Atlantic Avenue plan will head to the City Council for a final vote. The administration encourages public engagement throughout the process.

This initiative represents a significant step toward providing affordable housing, expanding economic opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life across NYC. These are critical investments in creating a better tomorrow for all New Yorkers.