- The new development will generate $6.1 Billion in economic activity and create a permanent home for the Champion Soccer team
Queens, NY - December 4, 2023 - Community Board 7 overwhelmingly voted to approve the transformative project in the Willets Point Revitalization Plan led by the Queens Development Group (QDG), composed of Related Companies and Sterling Equities and New York City Football Club (NYCFC). This groundbreaking project, part of Mayor Adams' visionary plan for Willets Point, is set to deliver the most significant 100% affordable housing development in 40 years, a new 650-seat public school, and will generate 1,550 permanent jobs and 14,200 construction jobs.
The proposed Willets Point Revitalization Plan will feature 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing, emphasizing a commitment to providing quality living spaces for the community. The development will be constructed with pedestrian-friendly, 21st Century urban planning principles, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for residents. Phase 1 of the project, which includes 1,100 of the total 2,500 affordable housing units, has already been approved with construction expected to start in the coming weeks.
"I'm thrilled about the green light given to the Willets Point Revitalization Plan by Community Board 7. This game-changing project, embracing 100% affordable housing, smart urban planning, and the cutting-edge NYCFC stadium, resonates with our shared goal of nurturing a vibrant and robust community,”said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya. “This revitalization of Willets Point is a bold leap toward a better future for our borough, and I'm proud to stand alongside the community in championing this exciting transformation.
“From the beginning, our administration’s goal for the Willets Point development was to take the needs of the community seriously,” said Deputy Mayor of Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “As we prepare to make this transformational investment, we are thrilled that Community Board 7 has affirmed their support for the project. We thank all of our partners who have maintained a constant, productive dialogue throughout the process and we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”
“We are excited to see (15) years of everyone’s hard work come to fruition. A vibrant new community that will include 2,500 housing units that are 100% affordable, local retail, a new elementary school, a Soccer Stadium, and a Hotel will rise from the remediated ashes of the former Willets Point junkyards. Welcome to our new neighbors!” said Chuck Apelian, Vice Chairman Community Board 7 Queens.
“NYCEDC is thrilled that Queens Community Board 7 voted in favor of the Willets Point Phase 2 development and looks forward to continuing the ULURP certification process and working with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards next,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “New York City is proud to make a generational investment in Willets Point that will bring the largest new affordable housing development in over 40 years, not to mention new public open space, hotel, much-needed infrastructure, and the city’s first soccer-specific stadium that will be 100 percent privately financed. This next phase of development will help create nearly $6 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, more than 14,000 construction jobs.”
A focal point of the project is the creation of a vibrant main street designed with the community in mind. This pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare will be home to local retail shops and small businesses, fostering a sense of community and economic growth.
The neighborhood's design encompasses over 40,000 square feet of public open space, a 250-key hotel, and ground-floor retail establishments. These elements are carefully integrated to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and contribute to the sustainable development of the area. The significant infrastructure investment for this project includes environmental cleanup as well as installation of new storm and sanitary sewers, reconstruction of streets, and improvements to the existing streetscape.
The project will also include NYCFC's impressive $780 million, privately financed, 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium—the first in New York City. This state-of-the-art facility will be union-built and serve as the permanent home for the 2021 MLS champions and 2022 Campeones Cup victors, solidifying the club's commitment to local communities. As part of the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, known as ULURP, the project will now move on to the Queens Borough President’s Office, followed by the City Planning Commission and, ultimately, the City Council.
“NYCFC is grateful for this vote of confidence from Community Board 7 to help continue a vision for Willets Point that will unlock thousands of jobs, historic affordable housing, and NYC’s first-ever, union-built soccer stadium,” said NYCFC Vice Chairman Marty Edelman. “NYCFC committed ten years ago to build in the five boroughs, and we are thrilled to be closer to bringing this promise to life in Queens – the World’s Borough will be our home for The World’s Game.”
“For the last decade, Community Board 7 has been a steadfast partner ensuring that the development of Willets Point delivers what’s best for this community. We are grateful for their hard work, their dedication, and for their approval of this vision that will deliver a vibrant mixed-use community built on the bedrock of thousands of affordable housing units,” said Jeff Blau, CEO, Related Companies on behalf of Queens Development Group – a joint venture of Related and Sterling Equities.
“Tonight’s community board vote on the new soccer stadium represents a critical next step in forging the creation of family-sustaining careers for hard-working New Yorkers in Queens,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “With the help of union tradesmen and tradeswomen, this project will provide our soccer fans and players with the world-class venue they deserve and further establish the neighborhood as a premier sporting and cultural hub in New York City. Our members look forward to contributing to this critical development and pursuing the opportunities it creates for them and their families.”
Beyond its role in sports, the stadium will house the Club's award-winning foundation, City in the Community (CITC). With a history of building over 50 community pitches, serving 30,000 NYC youth, and establishing a strong presence in all five boroughs, CITC will have a permanent home to continue its impactful initiatives.
The Willets Point Revitalization Plan has garnered widespread support from local elected officials, union leaders, and members of the business community. The project aligns with Mayor Adams' vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for Willets Point and the entire city.
