Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) and Southeast Queens lawmakers including City Councilmember I. Daneek Miller (D), State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D) and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D), along with city officials and community stakeholders today broke ground on Archer Green Apartments in Jamaica.
The transformational project will convert a former New York City Police Department parking garage into a vibrant mixed-use development that will bring affordable housing, a community facility and commercial space to downtown Jamaica.
The project, Archer Green Apartments, was borne out of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan and will deliver over 380 units of 100% affordable housing, approximately 15,000 square feet of community facility space and 68,800 square feet of retail and commercial space. Additionally, the project is expected to create nearly 350 construction jobs and over 300 permanent jobs.
“Jamaica’s transformation continues as we break ground on a long-awaited development that delivers on our promise to expand opportunities in Jamaica including affordable housing,” said Katz. “A hallmark of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan is to revitalize one of Queens’ most critical commercial and cultural hubs, this mixed-use complex will provide the community with the affordable housing, community facility space, retail and employment opportunities it needs — and deserves — going forward. Thank you to Councilman I. Daneek Miller, the Jamaica NOW Leadership Council, Omni New York, the Housing Development Corporation, the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the New York City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development for making this day possible.”
The redevelopment of the NYPD garage is the first major milestone to arise from the Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a $153 million dollar neighborhood revitalization initiative announced in 2015 by the de Blasio Administration, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and NYCEDC. The 21-point strategic plan aims to economically revitalize Jamaica, Queens by providing workforce training and small business support, and improving the livability of the neighborhood through investments in safety measures, green spaces and more.
“From its inception, this project has been cultivated through a productive collaboration between government, private enterprise, and community; and is now poised to yield tangible benefits for the people of Southeast Queens,” said Miller. “It will offer real housing affordability that is compatible with our region’s income, as well as provide localized contracting, hiring, and workforce development opportunities for our M/WBEs, workers, and job-seekers alike. I ‘m proud of what we have accomplished, and give thanks to EDC President and CEO James Patchett, HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer, and OMNI New York LLC for their partnership in what will surely be a milestone for our community.”
“This is a very proud day. Thanks to the collective work of city agencies and local elected officials, the Jamaica Now Action Plan has achieved another milestone,” said State Sen. James Sanders Jr. We are welcoming 380 units of 100 percent affordable housing to an area where it is critically needed. This project will also bring commercial and retail space to the community, which will increase economic prosperity and create hundreds of good paying construction jobs to stimulate the economy.”
“Affordable housing, job opportunities, and a local community space are much needed in downtown Jamaica. With ongoing homelessness and unemployment, we need real solutions for this neighborhood” said Hyndman. “Today’s long-awaited groundbreaking of the 168th parking garage promises real change. I commend NYCEDC, HDC, and HPD for spearheading this project and making sure that our community has a stake in this development. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues, bringing more affordable housing, more jobs, and economic stability to Southeast Queens.”
“The 168th Street corridor is being reborn with much-needed affordable housing, community space and retail for the residents of Jamaica and Southeast Queens,” said Hope Knight, president and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “The redevelopment of this long underutilized lot perfectly demonstrates the City’s commitment to Jamaica’s future.”
Omni New York LLC and Lettire Construction Corporation, the project’s construction management team, have committed to a 25% M/WBE participation goal and 35% minority and female workforce participation in construction jobs and new staff positions created. Additionally, the development team will participate in HireNYC, a free City program that connects New Yorkers with workforce development services and job opportunities for various investment projects.
