UPDATE: The City Council has just approved a sweeping rezoning plan for Jamaica, Queens, a monumental decision that will reshape the neighborhood and impact thousands of residents. The vote, held on October 18, 2023, passed unanimously with a score of 47-0, marking the largest rezoning in the city in over two decades.
This ambitious plan will open the door for 12,000 new homes, including 4,000 affordable units, and is expected to create more than 7,000 jobs. City officials estimate that the rezoning will also bring in 2 million square feet of new commercial space, enhancing local infrastructure and community amenities.
“This is about building a Jamaica that is walkable, vibrant, and thriving,” said Councilmember Nantasha Williams, who represents Jamaica. “It’s a reinvestment in our people and neighborhoods.” The plan aims to foster a community where residents can live, work, and play, transforming Jamaica into a bustling hub.
Despite the support from city officials, the approval faced opposition from local community boards. Members of Queens’ Community Board 8 and Community Board 12 previously rejected the neighborhood plan, citing concerns over increased population density and the potential strain on local transit systems. Many residents fear that the influx of newcomers could lead to skyrocketing rents, pushing out long-standing community members and small businesses.
City planning officials, however, emphasize that the changes will result in a denser, more dynamic Jamaica, with mixed-use developments enhancing the downtown area. Mayor Eric Adams praised the Council’s decision, stating, “For too long, the neighborhood’s outdated zoning code has made it harder to build new housing and create jobs. Today, we changed that.”
Planning Director Dan Garodnick highlighted Jamaica’s strategic location near JFK Airport, asserting that the new zoning will improve access to the city and maximize the area’s potential. “What we’ve seen is that outdated zoning has held this neighborhood back,” Garodnick noted. “Today, we start the process of changing all of that.”
As the city moves forward with the rezoning, residents and community leaders alike will be watching closely. The implications of this decision are profound, with the potential to significantly alter the fabric of Jamaica. Residents will need to stay informed about upcoming developments and community meetings as the planning process unfolds.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates on how this major rezoning will impact Jamaica, Queens.
