PlanNYC: Jamaica, Queens Development and Rezoning

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Jamaica, Queens Development and Rezoning

The vision for downtown Jamaica is expansive. Soon the area will be a thriving airport village, with a healthy mix of homegrown and national stores. Old Navy and RadioShack are already open and a recent $75 million deal has cleared the way for Home Depot. Plans call for extending the retail district beyond Jamaica Avenue to link it more directly with the AirTrain transit hub two blocks to the south. Led by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, $23 million has already been raised to continue development plans for the area. LIRR’s rail yard will be the next location for retail or other people-friendly transformations. The GJDC plans to build two more 500-space parking lots, in addition to their five existing garages, in order to accommodate increasing retail traffic.

In addition to the plans for retail and streetscape improvements, the area has undergone a major rezoning. In September 2007, the City Council approved what was, at the time, the largest rezoning in the City’s history – 368 blocks. Proponents say the former zoning along the JFK AirTrain did not anticipate future development and would not attract new investment opportunities. They claim that the rezoning will allow for major retail and residential development in surrounding Jamaica as well as more transit oriented development. Critics of the zoning change argue that the rezoning will drastically change the character of the area, increase congestion and create a shortage of parking. Critics also question whether the existing infrastructure will be able to handle the strains of the new development.

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Jamaica Rezoning Leads to Hotel Growth

Tuesday, April 08, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Three hotels are emerging in the recently rezoned Jamaica, Queens neighborhood near the AirTran light rail terminal. Officials from the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation credit the interest in the area to the rezoning and are hopeful that housing construction for airport workers will also be built. Construction on the hotels is expected to take several years.

Developer Hopes to Lure National Retailers to Jamaica Avenue

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Real estate developer, the Dermot Company, is in the process of redeveloping a courthouse on Jamaica Avenue into a mixed use project that will include room for retail space in hopes of attracting national retail chains, which have traditionally not been in the neighborhood. Dermot hopes this project will provide an affordable location for retailers who want to be on a major road. Dermot has signaled they will ask for rents between $40 and $100 per square foot, significantly less than the average $150 per square foot typically seen on Jamaica Avenue. Dermot Company is also planning to include a 12-story housing development on the back of the courthouse that will include both market rate and affordable housing. The project also includes a roughly 500-space underground parking garage. Costs are expected to reach $194 million.

Community Debates Rockaway Rezoning

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning unveiled its draft comprehensive rezoning of the Rockaway Peninsula to mixed reviews at a CB14 meeting. The new zoning for Beach 116th St would allow residential buildings to reach 80 feet. While some residents are in favor of development, many are opposed to the potential for over-development, crowding, and inconsistent architecture

Battle Over St. John's Dormitory Heats Up

Thursday, November 08, 2007 | Queens Courier | Topic: Land Use

Even with a “Stop Work” order issued by the Department of Buildings, some Jamaica Estates elected officials and residents are continuing to rally to permanently stop the construction of a St. John’s dormitory being built off-campus. Through a loophole in the zoning code for the generally single-family residential area along Henley Road, the construction of a dormitory as a “community facility” is permitted. Some neighbors are disappointed that the University said they would not build off campus and then hired a third party developer to construct the six-story dorm. Despite the technical legality of the construction, State Senator Frank Pavadan and City Councilmembers Tony Avella and James Genarro have staged rallies and press conferences to push the issue with University officials and the general public.

Plans for Jamaica Techno Mart Revealed

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The Greater Jamaica Development Corp. announced plans for a 929,000-square-foot Techno Mart near the AirTrain terminal in Jamaica. This $260 million development, the first announced since the area was rezoned, will house an international wholesale merchandise mart, as well as restaurants and retailers. Demolition of the vacant meatpacking plant on the site will take place by the end of 2007 and construction should take 3 years, beginning in late 2008.

Foes of St. John’s Dormitory Challenge Zoning Loophole

Sunday, October 28, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Two City Councilmembers from Queens independently called for legislative changes to a zoning loophole that allows “community” buildings to rise higher than would be allowed in the surrounding area. These proposals are in response to complaints from some neighbors about a six-story St. John’s University dormitory that is being built in a small-scale residential area of Jamaica. Some say that university housing should not be included in a regulation for public buildings, however university officials state that the dorms will merely be leased and not privately owned.

Techno Mart to begin Construction in Jamaica within the Year

Friday, October 26, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Economic Development

The first project after Jamaica’s historic rezoning will break ground within the year, according to the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. The Queens region underwent a massive rezoning in September to promote economic development. The project will be only the first of many expected to transform downtown Jamaica. The 13-story mart located on Sutphin Boulevard will house both local and national retailers and is expected to create 3000 jobs; something that local officials say is needed in the area. Completion of the Techno Mart is slated for 2011.

St. John's Dormitory Construction Temporarily Stopped

Friday, October 26, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

A temporary delay in the construction of a new Saint John’s University dormitory in the residential neighborhood of Jamaica Estates has been issued by the city’s Building Department citing concerns about the “community facility provision” loophole in the zoning code that was used and other construction concerns. However, the Buildings Department has pointed out that the Department’s Technical Affairs Unit has approved the community facility provision usage. Some in the community are opposed to the new dormitory partially because they believe the facility will lower property values and many are concerned about having college students as neighbors.

Rezoning of Queens Neighborhood Stalled Despite Action in Jamaica

Thursday, October 11, 2007 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

Some community organizers are citing resident apathy and others city neglect as the reason for delayed rezoning plans in some South Queens neighborhoods, including Rosedale. While the massive rezoning efforts in Jamaica were finalized earlier this year, efforts in Rosedale have gotten little attention. Irnel Stephen, chairman of the Rosedale Civic Association, was unable to garner enough volunteers to survey housing needs in the neighborhood, while Paul Graziano, an urban planner, has been unsuccessful in getting the City Planning Department to act on a plan for Rosedale that he submitted two years ago.

Development Proposals Sought for Jamaica

Tuesday, October 02, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

New York City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has made a request for proposals (RFP) for a large lot in Jamaica’s recently rezoned downtown. The proposal calls for a combination of retail and mixed-income housing units. Borough President Helen Marshall and Councilman Leroy Comrie both touted the RFP. The bids are due in late November.

Infrastructure Remains a Concern for Residents in Jamaica Rezoning

Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Environment

At the Community Board 12 meeting held last week, residents concerned with infrastructure deficiencies were assured that any new residential or commercial space that comes from the rezoning will have to undergo a review by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In particular, the city is concerned about the impact of new development on the water and sewage system. The Community Board also told residents that it is planning on improving the water pumps in the area. Jamaica, Queens is prone to flooding and some residents believe that the rezoning was done prematurely before upgrades could be made to the existing infrastructure

St. John’s Neighbors Object to New Dorm Proposal

Thursday, September 27, 2007 | Queens Courier | Topic: Land Use

Some residents and elected officials of Jamaica Estates are frustrated with Saint John’s University new plan to lease residence space off-campus. They claim that St. John’s was not honest in their effort to locate living space for about 485 students. These residents assert that St. John’s began negotiations to lease the space, in a primarily residential zone, many months ago but only announced it to the community recently. Another issue at stake is the height of the building that will be developed for St. John’s. Existing zoning permits a 60 foot high building, which many claim will be out of character for the area.

First Major Redevelopment Project for Downtown Jamaica Announced

Monday, September 24, 2007 | GlobeSt.com | Topic: Economic Development

The city’s Economic Development Corporation issued an RFP for the “sale and redevelopment of a 45,000-square-foot site” in downtown Jamaica. The site, which is in a newly rezoned area, will contain retail and housing space as well as parking facilities. This is the first proposal to be submitted after the City Council approved a large-scale rezoning plan in Jamaica.

University to Lease Dormitory in Jamaica Estates; Loophole At Issue

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

St. John’s University has just signed a ten year lease with a developer for a six story dormitory to be built in the middle of the residential neighborhood Jamaica Estates. Because of a zoning loophole for “community facilities,” the dormitory will rise 20 feet above the 40-foot height limit for buildings in the area. Local residents are upset that St. John’s has found a way to renege on its promise not to build off campus housing in the neighborhood.

Considering the Infrastructure Costs of the Jamaica Rezoning

Friday, September 14, 2007 | Queens Tribune | Topic: Land Use

The 368-block rezoning of Jamaica, Queens, the largest in the city’s history, has failed to accommodate infrastructure needs that will accompany anticipated growth, say critics of the rezoning. Even some rezoning advocates, including the Greater Jamaica Corporation, admit that public transportation to and from the area might not be able to handle projected commercial and residential activity surrounding the AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station. Some are calling for more off street parking to offset this congestion.

Jamaica Rezoning Receives Mixed Reviews Within Community

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Land Use

Monday marked the passage of the largest rezoning plan in the history of New York City. Community members are responding to this news in various ways. Some believe the denser zoning will change the character of the neighborhood and create congestion and a lack of parking. These critics fear that such an upzoning will enable developers to “swoop in on local residents with dollar signs in their eyes.” Proponents of the plan are excited for the new residents and businesses that the rezoned area will bring through a mixture of retail, office, and commercial development.

Largest Rezoning in City History to Bring Change

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 | The Real Deal | Topic: Land Use

The City Council’s 45-3 vote yesterday in favor of a 368-block rezoning of Jamaica, Queens made it the largest in the city’s history. Many herald the rezoning as an outgrowth of Mayor Bloomberg’s land-use strategy, which “calls for creating thriving, around-the-clock mixed use centers in all five boroughs through rezoning.” Planners hope that the rezoning will enliven the commercial area surrounding Jamaica’s AirTrain, as well encourage over 5,000 units of housing and 3 million square feet of commercial space. The plan preserves the historically low-rise character of 161 blocks in the area.

City Council Expected to Approve Jamaica Rezoning

Monday, September 10, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

The City Council is expected to approve the 368 –block area rezoning of Jamaica, Queens today, clearing Mayor Bloomberg’s plan that will increase commercial space as well as add an additional 5,200 new housing units according to the Department of City Planning. The rezoning plans have mixed support from Council Members and Jamaica residents.

Elected Officials Weigh In on Jamaica Rezoning

Thursday, August 30, 2007 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Politics & Government

Members of the City Council have come out on both sides of a 368-block rezoning of Jamaica, Queens approved last week by the Council’s Land Use Committee. Some, like Members Avella, Gennaro, and Weprin, will likely vote against the rezoning because of the measure’s perceived negative impact on the neighborhood. They also argue that the city’s infrastructure is not capable enough of handling the influx of residents and development that will accompany the rezoning. Others, like Speaker Quinn and Council Member Comrie, believe the rezoning will encourage needed commercial growth while restricting “out-of-character development.” The City Council will consider the Jamaica rezoning on September 10.

Debating Density in the Rezoning of Jamaica

Saturday, August 25, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The Land Use Committee of the City Council approved last week a 368-block rezoning plan for Jamaica, Queens that has sparked a debate about the merit of greater building density in a once thriving commercial area. Some believe that the rezoning, which will allow hotels and office space in Downtown Jamaica while adding a building limit along the Hillside Avenue corridor of six stories, will strain public infrastructure and cater to renters. Others argue that the rezoning will create an engine for economic growth, stimulating as many as 9,600 jobs and 5,200 residences. The plan, which the full Council will consider on September 10, has a sizeable number of supporters and detractors.

Jamaica Rezoning Plan Moves Forward

Thursday, August 23, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

The Land Use Committee of the City Council approved with modifications a 368-block rezoning of Jamaica, Queens. The plan, which maintains low-scale detached housing in some areas and dense residential and commercial development in others, was hailed by city officials as an “airport village” that will serve as a major commercial center near Kennedy International Airport. City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden noted the importance of the four-year effort to rezone the area into a vibrant commercial area. Some area residents, however, still have concerns about the large scale of buildings along Hillside Avenue. The City Planning Commission (CPC) will now consider the committee’s work and send the plan along to the City Council for full vote, which is expected in early September.

Jamaica Rezoning Plan Causes Increase in Property Values

Thursday, August 09, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Economic Development

In areas where proposed zoning would permit the construction of taller buildings, Jamaica property values and sale prices have increased. Areas that are slated to be rezoned as R7X zones, which would allow developers to put up buildings that are 125 feet tall, have experienced a rise in sales asking prices.

Department of City Planning Approves Jamaica Rezoning

Thursday, July 19, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

The plan to rezone 368 blocks of Jamaica has been approved by the Department of City Planning. The Jamaica Plan has been a contentious topic since its proposal two years ago. Critics fear over-development and the destruction of the character of the residential neighborhoods.

Community Board 12 Votes Against Jamaica Rezoning

Thursday, April 19, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

In what was described as a confusing session with multiple proposals and votes, Community Board 12 appears to have voted against the rezoning in Jamaica at their meeting last week. The community board expressed their opposition to the plan in their comments and questions to the city officials who were present. Particular concerns were raised about the rezoning's impact on school crowding and some of the assumptions in the environmental impact study. Community Board 8 had also voted against the rezoning at an earlier meeting. Despite the negative votes, the plan will now move forward into a period of public review, and will eventually be reviewed by City Council, potentially with some changes to address the Community Board’s concerns.

Jamaica Rezoning Continues to Draw Residents Criticism

Thursday, March 29, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

The proposed rezoning of Downtown Jamaica has been drawing a lot of criticism from residents and local community boards, largely focused on the lack of infrastructure to deal with the development and increased population that such a rezoning would bring. Community Board 8 has already voted against the rezoning due to such concerns, while Community Board 12 is expected to issue a recommendation next month. According to Amanda Burden, director of the city’s planning department, Jamaica is a key business district which could greatly benefit from the rezoning, and that rezoning which would bring in investment that could address the infrastructure issues.

Jamaica Transportation Plan Approved by Community Board Despite Concerns

Thursday, March 29, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Transportation

Community Board 12 voted to approve two major changes to current street network which were proposed in conjunction, although separately, from the overall rezoning of Downtown Jamaica. The board approved the plans despite concerns about the scale of the projects and the possibility of use of eminent domain due to concerns that a negative vote would lock them out of the process. Plans call for widening Archer Avenue while making 94th and 95th avenue one-way streets, as well as improving the area around the AirTrain terminal.

Community Board Rejects Rezoning of Jamaica

Thursday, March 22, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Queens Community Board 8 rejected the city's rezoning of Jamaica, following a rejection vote by its Land Use Committee. The board objected to the rezoning for its lack of detail, arguing that the only way that the city could implement its plan would be to use eminent domain. Further, many feared that the zoning's density allowances could bring close to 38,000 new residents to the area, a migration that current infrastructure cannot handle.

Downtown Jamaica Plans Involve Eminent Domain, Citizens React

Thursday, March 01, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

The city announced plans for a 368 block rezoning of downtown Jamaica in conjunction with two major infrastructure projects, a widening of Archer Avenue and an extension of Atlantic Avenue (Sutphin Boulevard Plaza), while making 94th and 95th Avenues one-way streets to improve traffic flow around the AirTrain terminal (Atlantic Avenue Project), at the Community Board 12 meeting of February 21. The plans drew ire from some when the city made clear a proposal to claim eminent domain powers in order to acquire 10 buildings that are privately owned on the site in question.

Potential Use of Eminent Domain in Downtown Jamaica Sparks Protests

Thursday, February 22, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Details that were released on the city’s plan to potentially use eminent domain to acquire properties for its planned downtown Jamaica redevelopment and rezoning sparked protests from owners whose buildings could be effected. The fact that eminent domain might be used was not a new development, but which areas would be affected was currently unknown. The redevelopment plan calls for a widening of Archer Avenue and an extension of Atlantic Avenue, while making 94th and 95th Avenues one-way streets to improve traffic flow around the AirTrain terminal.

Assessing the Jamaica Rezoning Plan

Friday, February 09, 2007 | Queens Tribune | Topic: Land Use

In response to the Department of City Planning's release of a Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) for the rezoning of Jamaica, this article in the Queens Tribune addresses the likely impact of the plan to rezone 368 blocks to stimulate greater density, growth, and investment in the area. While the plan anticipates benefits like job growth and increased economic activity, it also details challenges like an increase in population, displacement of some residents, traffic problems, strains on the school system, and a decline in open space. During the next phase of the rezoning, public review, the advantages and disadvantages will be weighed.

Rezoning Plan for Downtown Jamaica Certified by City Planning

Thursday, February 08, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

The Department of City Planning certified the rezoning plan for downtown Jamaica on February 6th, beginning a public review process before the proposal is officially accepted. The rezoning of downtown Jamaica would allow a mix of commercial and residential uses around the AirTrain in seven to twelve story buildings in what is now mainly a manufacturing zone. The city says the proposal will protect residential side streets while creating over 9,000 new jobs and 3,400 new units of housing. Critics have questioned whether the rezoning comes with adequate funding to upgrade the areas infrastructure to properly handle the growth.

Public Forums on Jamaica Rezoning Scheduled

Thursday, January 25, 2007 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Land Use

Community Board 12 will hold a public forum for residents to voice objections, concerns and raise questions on the proposed Jamaica rezoning before deciding whether to approve or reject the project. Currently the plan is being reviewed by Community Board 12, the Borough President, and City Council. A decision on the zoning proposal, which has faced some opposition by residents, is expected by the end of February.

Residents Question Jamaica Re-Zoning, Council Stresses Interactive Process

Thursday, January 11, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

At a city council meeting, residents expressed fears related to the proposed rezoning of downtown Jamaica. Their largest concerns for the rezoning included the potential of low-quality development, the need for additional infrastructure such as water, sewers, and neighborhood schools to meet the growth, and the potential increase in traffic. City Councilman Gennaro stressed that this was just a proposal and that they would continue to seek consensus and input from the residents. Supporters of the rezoning cite the affordable housing it could bring (developers can only build to the maximum zoning height if they include affordable housing) and the importance of speeding up development in downtown Jamaica.

Skepticism on Proposed Jamaica Rezoning

Thursday, January 11, 2007 | Times Ledger | Topic: Land Use

Department of City Planning’s proposed rezoning plan would allow seven to twelve story mixed commercial and residential buildings to be built on Hillside Avenue and around the AirTrain while downzoning some surrounding side streets for residential use. Opponents voiced concerns regarding the development of taller buildings on Hillside Ave., as well as questioning whether there would be capital for the additional infrastructure needed to accommodate the growth. The rezoning would also create a three block “urban renewal area” where the government could obtain properties through eminent domain if necessary, which might threaten a few houses. Proponents believe the rezoning is necessary to transform Jamaica into a regional transportation hub.

LIRR Plans Jamaica Retail Development

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

The Greater Jamaica Development Corp. has secured $12 million from federal and state governments, the Port Authority and the MTA to create 5,600 square feet of retail space on the east side of Sutphin Blvd., between Archer and 94th Aves. The plan includes infusing the viaduct with light by installing electronic panels - which will display colorful patterns - above the enclosed sidewalk. The MTA board approved a 20-year lease for the property with the development corporation.

Creating Affordable Housing In Queens

Thursday, September 28, 2006 | Queens Chronicle | Topic: Housing

A recent conference on affordable housing in Queens looked at prospective sites for development in the borough. The sites discussed include Queens West in Hunters Point, the rezoning of downtown Jamaica, the development of Willets Point, and a plan to construct a housing platform over the Sunnyside railyards. The meeting, organized by Queens for Affordable Housing, resulted in a prioritized list of strategies to encourage the creation of affordable housing.

Money For Queens Projects

Thursday, September 14, 2006 | Queens Tribune | Topic: Economic Development

Nearly $40 million will spent on projects in Queens as part of a $100 million agreement between New York City and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to improve the airports in Queens and their surrounding neighborhoods. Projects include planting trees in Jamaica, revamping the marina in Flushing, and conducting studies to alleviate traffic jams at JFK and LaGuardia Airports and on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Not Yet Complete But Already Seeing Improvements

Saturday, September 09, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: General

Five and a half years and $300 million later, the Jamaica station is receiving some positive reviews from commuters. The renovations include a new walkway that connects the LIRR to the E, J, and Z lines, rain shelter, and remodeled mezzanines. Substantial work to the Jamaica station is listed as complete while some odds and ends have yet to be finished off.

JFK AirTrain's Increasingly Popular

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Daily paid ridership on the AirTrian at Jamaica Station that links to four subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road rose to nearly 11,300 a day last month, compared to 7,700 in June 2004.

Jamaica Officials Break Ground!

Thursday, April 20, 2006 | Other | Topic: Economic Development

In a bid to attract more shoppers, Jamaica officials broke ground yesterday for a 406-car, three-story, garage in the heart of downtown Jamaica. The structure which is expected to be completed in a year, will include 5000 square feet of retail space on 162nd St.

It's a Buzz In Downtown Jamaica

Saturday, April 01, 2006 | The Real Deal | Topic: Economic Development

Home Depot recently secured a $75 million deal to open a store in downtown Jamaica. This is only one of many development plans in the long-term "airport village" vision for downtown Jamaica.

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