Committee Grants Approval to Queens Casino; Nearly Prepared to Submit Proposal
The redevelopment of Willets Point in Queens, a significant urban renewal project, has reached a pivotal milestone with the completion of the superstructures for Buildings 1 and 2. These structures will house approximately 880 affordable housing units, marking a third of the total planned units. The project, governed by a project labor agreement with the Building & Construction Trades Council, will ultimately deliver 2,500 affordable housing units, making it the largest 100% affordable housing development in New York City in over four decades.
The project encompasses a host of infrastructure and amenities, including 150,000 square feet of new open space, over 20,000 square feet of retail space, a new 650-seat public school, a 250-room hotel, and a 25,000-seat, electric soccer stadium for the New York Football Club (NYCFC), set to open by the 2027 season. The development is projected to generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over 30 years and create 14,200 construction jobs and 1,550 permanent jobs.
While nearby developments, such as the proposed Metropolitan Park, could impact parkland in the area, the Willets Point redevelopment primarily focuses on transforming a neglected industrial area into a mixed-use development with substantial open spaces. The project is poised to transform Willets Point from a neglected district into a thriving community, offering numerous infrastructure and social benefits.
During leisure hours, residents may find entertainment at the onsite casino-and-gambling complex, featuring various casino-games like blackjack and sports betting. For sports enthusiasts, the electric soccer stadium will host NYCFC matches. The complex may also include an online casino and potentially a progressive jackpot, adding to the excitement. In the spirit of transformation, such as the one being witnessed in Willets Point, Las Vegas-style amenities could symbolize the transition of the area, mirroring its metamorphosis from a neglected district into a thriving community.
