NEW YORK CITY-Urban renewal efforts are continuing to move forward in Northern Queens, as the New York City Economic Development Corp. issued a request for proposals for the first phase of redevelopment at Willets Point on Monday. The city is seeking development proposals for the initial 12.7-acre parcel adjacent to Citi Field, as well as a concept plan for the entire 62-acre peninsula along the Flushing River.

The RFP follows the recent announcement by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation that gave the city the green light to continue the public review process for new access ramps for the Van Wyck Expressway, which would be constructed in future phases of the project. The neighborhood, formerly utilized as an ash dump for passing railroad cars, was rezoned by the city council in 2008 to allow mixed-use development. It expected to be redeveloped and remediated over a nine-year period, with total build-out estimated by 2017.

After the city issued a request for qualifications in 2009, the NYCEDC received 29 responses from developers, according to a statement. Based on the RFQ, the group of respondents were directed to create “the most compelling development proposal” for Phase I, which allows for up to 680,000 square feet of retail space; up to 400 units of housing, 35% of which will be affordable; a hotel; two acres of open space and parking. Responses are due by August 12; a public hearing about the ramps will take place on June 8.