Proposals Solicited for Mixed-Use Development Program to Include Substantial Affordable Housing and Commercial Space
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 13, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals for mixed-use, mixed-income development of a City-owned site on 168th Street in Jamaica, Queens. The 59,500 square foot site, located between on the northeast corner of 93rd Avenue and 168th Street right in the heart of the growing neighborhood, holds strong potential for an ambitious development program to include hundreds of units of housing, ground-floor retail and other commercial uses.
The development has the potential to create 400 construction jobs and 80 permanent jobs. The Request for Proposals will help realize the vision of Housing New York, which establishes a goal of building or preserving 200,000 affordable housing units over 10 years. Among the key strategies articulated in Housing New York is activating underused City-owned sites, with the goal of promoting mixed-use, mixed income communities anchored by affordable housing.
“Anyone walking the streets of Jamaica today can feel the energy here. There’s real momentum happening at the grassroots, and it’s something we can spur on by putting City sites to work to bring more affordable housing, stores and jobs to this neighborhood. Our commitment to affordable housing means wherever we have an opportunity to build homes that help New Yorkers afford to stay in their own neighborhood, we’ll act,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen.
“The 168th Street Garage site holds powerful potential to serve the Jamaica neighborhood with affordable housing and other amenities, while building upon the area’s strengths as a commercial, cultural and transit hub,” said NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball. “Sustainable and contextual growth, which could bring a great deal of affordable housing to a vibrant and diverse community, will enhance the livability of Jamaica and make it a more equitable place for all residents and businesses.”
The site is located within the Special Downtown Jamaica District, which was established through a rezoning in 2007 to support housing and economic development opportunities and to build upon Jamaica’s strengths as a major multimodal transportation hub. The site is surrounded by commercial, residential, and institutional uses as well as some light industrial and office uses. The site is presently occupied by a two-story garage used by the New York City Police Department. Redevelopment of the site will require the demolition of the existing structure and accommodation of NYPD vehicles.
“Downtown Jamaica is an important commercial hub that has a vast potential for growth and development thanks to its many amenities, including its close proximity to housing and mass transit,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “The winning proposal will help Jamaica achieve its full potential while also helping the City meet its overall affordable housing and quality-of-life goals. I look forward to seeing what kind of innovative proposals are submitted in response to this opportunity to construct a thriving mixed-use development in one of our City’s most vital neighborhoods.”
“We are very excited to send out this RFP today as it will provide crucial affordable housing to serve residents in our area,” said Councilmember I. Daneek Miller. “Through this development we will be able to accommodate our seniors and retain our young people and best minds within the community. The construction of this project will also allow for real living wage job creation and it is my sincere hope that this mixed-use development will come to reflect our community in Southeast Queens.”
“I enthusiastically welcome the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s Request for Proposals concerning development of the large city-owned tract of land on 168th Street in Downtown Jamaica,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “I am extremely pleased that the mixed-use, mixed-income criteria for developing this site will create hundreds good paying jobs in the clearing and construction phase and scores of jobs at the commercial establishments which will be built. The RFP’s mandate that all submissions include proposals for affordable housing consistent with the demographics and characteristics of the surrounding neighborhoods is equally important. Hundreds of new units of affordable housing will help enable long term residents to stay there, as well as attract young families looking for an upcoming place in which to raise their children.”
“I look forward to working with EDC to ensure that a dynamic, vibrant space is created for all members of the Jamaica community,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “We must be vigilant to ensure our neighborhood grows while remaining affordable for both those who live and work in it.”
“Economic development in Downtown Jamaica is essential to the growth of our district,” said Adrienne E. Adams, Chairperson of Community Board 12. “The re-development of the NYPD 168th Street Garage will accommodate the need for affordable housing and commercial space, while construction of the project itself will provide substantial employment opportunities. The New York City Economic Development Corporation’s RFP opens the door to further enhancement of the Downtown area, which is beneficial to the entire community.”
Respondents should propose an affordability program that reflects the neighborhood’s demographic makeup, housing stock, and other characteristics of the community. The program should minimize the use of subsidy or exemption plans while maximizing the depth and duration of housing affordability developed with these resources. The project must also include retail space; proposed tenants and responsiveness to market conditions and context will be a factor in the selection process. Proposals that include a community facility in addition to a commercial use are encouraged.
As part of the City’s efforts to expand economic and workforce opportunities, responses to this RFP must comply with submit a comprehensive workforce and procurement program that supports communities, helps create job opportunities, and creates additional opportunities for low-income New Yorkers, enabling them to participate in New York City’s economic growth. This includes the utilization of NYCEDC’s HireNYC program for disadvantaged workers, as well as additional contracting goals for minority and women-owned business enterprises, and requirements with respect to living wage and prevailing wage. These new guidelines are a required to be contemplated in all proposals.
Proposals will be evaluated on their potential to create a thriving mixed-use, mixed-income development that positively contributes to the Jamaica area; maximize affordable housing units, while minimizing the use of city resources; create quality commercial uses; contextual physical design that encourages active street life; and the strength of the hiring and wage plan as described.
For more information or to download the Request for Proposals, please visit www.nycedc.com/RFP.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
