On April 11, Mayor Eric Adams announced the City Council’s approval of phase two of Willets Point, a new affordable development in Queens. The approval is a notable step for the project, which is set to introduce the largest entirely affordable housing project seen in the city in four decades, as well as more than 150,000 square feet of new public open space, more than 20,000 square feet of retail space, a 250-key hotel, and a 25,000-seat stadium for the New York City Football Club.
Willets point was originally announced by Mayor Adams in November 2022 in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Councilmember Francisco Moya, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the New York City Football Club, and Queens Development Group, and promises to transform Willets Point into a vibrant, sustainable community.
Rendering of Willets Point, via willetspointqueens.com
The project is expected to generate $6 billion in economic impact, creating more than 14,000 construction jobs and over 1,500 permanent jobs over the next 30 years. It not only aligns with Mayor Adams’ economic recovery blueprint but also leverages infrastructure investments to spur equitable community development and create extensive housing opportunities.
Rendering of Willets Point stadium, via willetspointqueens.com
Construction on the first phase of the project, which includes 880 units of 100-percent affordable housing, has already commenced and is progressing ahead of schedule, with completion expected by the end of 2026. This next phase, now approved, will introduce an additional 220 affordable homes dedicated to low-income seniors, further reinforcing the project’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.
Rendering of Willets Point planned layout, via willetspointqueens.com
“History has been made today for Queens and New York City as this monumental project receives approval from the City Council, and we take another major step forward in delivering one of the most ambitious developments in the country and a model for public-private partnership,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Thanks to Mayor Adams’ leadership, the tireless work of Councilmember Francisco Moya, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and other elected officials, and our partners in the private sector, New York City will forever be transforming the ‘Valley of Ashes’ into a brand-new neighborhood with the largest affordable housing project in 40 years, much needed open space and infrastructure, a privately financed soccer-specific stadium, and thousands of quality jobs. Willets Point will truly become one of the premier sports and entertainment hubs in New York City, and NYCEDC is enormously proud to have played a role in realizing this vision.”
Firstly, the area is “Willets Point Boulevard” and not “Willets Point,” the site of Fort Totten 4 miles to the northeast.
Any improvement in the former “Iron Triangle” of auto parts and chop shops is welcome. Soccer is popular in nearby Flushing Meadows Park and the stadium would likely be welcomed by the locals.
However, housing is problematic for several reasons. The ground is low with a high flood risk and next to polluted Flushing Creek one notices at low tide. The area is also isolated with no current nearby shopping. Whether retailers will move into the project as envisioned will be a question. Then there is the frequent elevated #7 train rumbling by and an elevated expressway.
Quite a few hotels have been constructed in Flushing in recent years. A new one closer to the stadium might be convenient for sports events, but likely nothing else.
On the eastern side of Flushing Creek on higher ground is a major redevelopment area, “Flushing West,” adjacent to the central business district. This was supposed to have many apartments, but I have not noticed any construction for quite some time. The market may not be so good at the moment.
What does “Willets Point” have to do with Fort Totten? Willets Point Boulevard runs from Utopia Parkway to Union Street. The writer of this article is correct. The area is called Willets Point.
Having lived in Flushing for nearly half a century, I have some familiarity with the local streets. Willets Point Boulevard was disrupted by the construction of the Whitestone Expressway in 1939. If you check the map, you will find it continues past Union St./Parsons Blvd. to the east where its route was again disrupted by the construction of the Cross Island Parkway. Yes, people refer to the place as “Willets Point,” but it is not correct.
According to your logic, should YIMBY and Google refer to Manhattan as 17th century New Amsterdam?
I grew up in Whitestone. My friends and I snuck onto Fort Totten, hung out at Clearview Golf Course, went rollerskating at the rink that used to be next to Flushing Creek (which did stink) drove on the Whitestone Expressway countless times—and attended concerts at Shea Stadium.
You still have not explained what this has to do with Fort Totten? However, you may want to file a complaint with Google to tell them the place “Willets Point,” is not correct. I’m sure they, YIMBY and most of NYC will disagree.
According to your logic, Flushing Ave. in Brooklyn is actually “Flushing.” Go to Google Maps and zoom into the Fort Totten site and you will see the legend, “Willets Point.” The stadium location is not a “point” in any sense.
If the Iron Triangle can steal the name of another place nearby, I hereby rename the area between the end of Ocean Parkway and the southwest corner of Green-Wood Cemetery at 37th Street “Fort Hamilton.”
Take you pick, Pfizer Stadium or Goldman Sachs Stadium. They are two NYC based companies who don’t yet sponsor a stadium, but certainly have the money.
I’m 75 years old (born in Sept. ’48). I grew up in Fresh Meadows on the other side of Horace Harding Blvd, which became the LIE; construction started in ’57. As far back as I can remember, the Flushing IRT passed what everyone called “Willets Point.” But I suppose this was because the IRT stop was at Willets Point Blvd.
Correct! I rode the 7 train to get to Manhattan for high school in the 80’s and that stop was Willets Point-Shea Stadium.
Fresh Meadows was a nice place. I used to go to the movie theater there and Bloomingdales. Plus whenever I was heading east on the LIE, I would always make a detour to Bagel Oasis for a hot bagel!
Hope don’t become another Atlantic Yard now Pacific Yard Barclays was built before the affordable housing then luxury rental and the affordable never build. Keep dreaming.
If you wish to fast-forward vision of how this complex will play out, take a look at Washington D.C.’s Navy Yard complex. Baseball Stadium (existing) by HOK / Populous ? Check. Generic, modernistic Soccer Stadium ? Check. Acres of instant, could-be-anywhere neighborhood bars, restaurants and condos ? Check.
D.C. has the superior waterfront & marina, but there’s potential for Flushing’s (Although that overhead Whitestone Expressway isn’t going anywhere) — Esp if Uncle Steve gets his Casino license.
Firstly, the area is “Willets Point Boulevard” and not “Willets Point,” the site of Fort Totten 4 miles to the northeast.
Any improvement in the former “Iron Triangle” of auto parts and chop shops is welcome. Soccer is popular in nearby Flushing Meadows Park and the stadium would likely be welcomed by the locals.
However, housing is problematic for several reasons. The ground is low with a high flood risk and next to polluted Flushing Creek one notices at low tide. The area is also isolated with no current nearby shopping. Whether retailers will move into the project as envisioned will be a question. Then there is the frequent elevated #7 train rumbling by and an elevated expressway.
Quite a few hotels have been constructed in Flushing in recent years. A new one closer to the stadium might be convenient for sports events, but likely nothing else.
On the eastern side of Flushing Creek on higher ground is a major redevelopment area, “Flushing West,” adjacent to the central business district. This was supposed to have many apartments, but I have not noticed any construction for quite some time. The market may not be so good at the moment.
What does “Willets Point” have to do with Fort Totten? Willets Point Boulevard runs from Utopia Parkway to Union Street. The writer of this article is correct. The area is called Willets Point.
Why are you such a Know-It-All?!
Having lived in Flushing for nearly half a century, I have some familiarity with the local streets. Willets Point Boulevard was disrupted by the construction of the Whitestone Expressway in 1939. If you check the map, you will find it continues past Union St./Parsons Blvd. to the east where its route was again disrupted by the construction of the Cross Island Parkway. Yes, people refer to the place as “Willets Point,” but it is not correct.
According to your logic, should YIMBY and Google refer to Manhattan as 17th century New Amsterdam?
I grew up in Whitestone. My friends and I snuck onto Fort Totten, hung out at Clearview Golf Course, went rollerskating at the rink that used to be next to Flushing Creek (which did stink) drove on the Whitestone Expressway countless times—and attended concerts at Shea Stadium.
You still have not explained what this has to do with Fort Totten? However, you may want to file a complaint with Google to tell them the place “Willets Point,” is not correct. I’m sure they, YIMBY and most of NYC will disagree.
According to your logic, Flushing Ave. in Brooklyn is actually “Flushing.” Go to Google Maps and zoom into the Fort Totten site and you will see the legend, “Willets Point.” The stadium location is not a “point” in any sense.
There’s a difference between the name of a neighborhood and the name of a geographical landform.
Thank you, CityNeighborhoodsNYC—two things, one name.
If the Iron Triangle can steal the name of another place nearby, I hereby rename the area between the end of Ocean Parkway and the southwest corner of Green-Wood Cemetery at 37th Street “Fort Hamilton.”
I just want to stand in the elevator on these affordable homes: Thanks.
I can’t wait to see a match at Naming Rights Sponsor Stadium
Take you pick, Pfizer Stadium or Goldman Sachs Stadium. They are two NYC based companies who don’t yet sponsor a stadium, but certainly have the money.
Given the popularity of soccer among Hispanics in Queens, I would expect something like Modelo beer.
I’m 75 years old (born in Sept. ’48). I grew up in Fresh Meadows on the other side of Horace Harding Blvd, which became the LIE; construction started in ’57. As far back as I can remember, the Flushing IRT passed what everyone called “Willets Point.” But I suppose this was because the IRT stop was at Willets Point Blvd.
Correct! I rode the 7 train to get to Manhattan for high school in the 80’s and that stop was Willets Point-Shea Stadium.
Fresh Meadows was a nice place. I used to go to the movie theater there and Bloomingdales. Plus whenever I was heading east on the LIE, I would always make a detour to Bagel Oasis for a hot bagel!
Hope don’t become another Atlantic Yard now Pacific Yard Barclays was built before the affordable housing then luxury rental and the affordable never build. Keep dreaming.
If you wish to fast-forward vision of how this complex will play out, take a look at Washington D.C.’s Navy Yard complex. Baseball Stadium (existing) by HOK / Populous ? Check. Generic, modernistic Soccer Stadium ? Check. Acres of instant, could-be-anywhere neighborhood bars, restaurants and condos ? Check.
D.C. has the superior waterfront & marina, but there’s potential for Flushing’s (Although that overhead Whitestone Expressway isn’t going anywhere) — Esp if Uncle Steve gets his Casino license.
Yes yes i like it? Thank you