A rendering of Archer Green Apartments in Jamaica Queens. Credit: Edelman Sultan Knox Wood Architects
NEW YORK CITY—Construction has begun on the conversion of a former New York City Police Department parking garage in Jamaica, Queens into a mixed-use development that will feature more than 380 affordable housing units.
A host of city officials were on hand for the groundbreaking for the Archer Green Apartments project on Friday, including New York City Economic Development Corporation president and CEO James Patchett; Housing Development Corporation EVP of real estate Paula Roy Carethers, Department of Housing Preservation and Development; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Councilmember I. Daneek Miller, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, representatives with construction manager Omni New York LLC and community leaders.
The redevelopment of the NYPD parking garage is the first major milestone to arise from the Jamaica NOW Action Plan, a $153-million neighborhood revitalization initiative announced in 2015 by the de Blasio Administration, Queens Borough President Katz and the NYCEDC.
In addition to the 100% affordable housing units, the Archer Green Apartments will also feature approximately 15,000 square feet of community facility space and 68,800 square feet of retail and commercial space. The project is expected to create nearly 350 construction jobs and more than 300 permanent jobs upon completion.
“Today's groundbreaking is a major win for Southeast Queens,” said NYCEDC's Patchett. “Archer Green Apartments is a game-changing project that will help spur economic growth in the heart of downtown Jamaica. Together, with our partner agencies HPD, HDC, and the development team, we're delivering 380 units of 100% affordable housing, over 300 good-paying jobs, and dedicated community space.”
City officials noted that Omni New York and Lettire Construction Corp., 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.
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John Jordan
John Jordan is a veteran journalist with 36 years of print and digital media experience.
