Press Releases

For Immediate Release
February 12, 2024

Contacts:
Casey Berkovitz, Joe Marvilli – press@planning.nyc.gov (212) 720-3471

NEW YORK – New York Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick today shared the draft zoning framework for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, the next step forward in this collaborative planning process towards a formal rezoning proposal. The draft zoning framework builds on feedback from thousands of New Yorkers over six months, and responds to critical neighborhood challenges by laying out a roadmap for housing and economic growth, as well as enhanced transit access, public space and infrastructure. 

Previewed at the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan working group summit at York College on Saturday, February 10th, the framework was developed in relation to overarching neighborhood goals identified through the planning process, including improved quality of life for current and future residents, equitable health & safety outcomes and climate resiliency. The release of the draft zoning framework, which organizes the study area into the Downtown Core, Downtown Extension, Transit Corridors, and Industrial Core, Transition, and Growth areas, offers the community an opportunity to provide further input before DCP introduces a formal rezoning proposal in the coming months. 

“We are developing a vision for a thriving Jamaica that delivers not only housing for current and future residents but also greater economic opportunities,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. “The Jamaica community surrounds one of this country’s most important transportation hubs, and deserves a neighborhood plan that meets resident needs, unlocks key City investments, and promotes an affordable, prosperous and inclusive future.” 

“Community-led planning efforts that prioritize the improvement and vibrancy of Jamaica are critical to the future of Southeast Queens and our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The draft zoning framework for the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan marks a crucial step in this collaborative planning process to advance affordable housing, economic opportunity, infrastructure and public space upgrades, increased access to transit, and resiliency investments. The record-breaking amount of input provided by community leaders and residents to shape the vision for this draft framework is a testament to the community's desire to actively determine the improvements needed for Jamaica. I am inspired by the community's engagement in this process thus far, and encourage continued participation.” 

“Our office has done tremendous work with DCP, Borough President Richards, Senator Comrie, Speaker Adams and the other elected officials in the area to make sure stakeholders feel their voice is being heard in every step of this process. This zoning framework allows DCP to begin the environmental review process into how much our community can grow in the future and what the needs will be. We look forward to discussing the findings of the environmental review with the community soon,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams. 

“There are few neighborhoods in New York City that can offer the same level of vibrancy, economic activity, transportation, culture, diversity and potential as Jamaica. Everyone who either lives here, works here or plays here knows the limitless potential of this community — potential the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan is in the early stages of unlocking,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This draft zoning framework puts to paper what hundreds of Jamaica residents have called for during our series of community-centric workshops: More affordable housing, more jobs, more public space and better transit. There are still many more conversations to be had with our neighbors to fine tune this plan, however, and I look forward to working with our city and community partners alike to do just that over the next few months.”  

The draft zoning framework reflects input from thousands of New Yorkers, including a record 1,128 responses to DCP’s online survey, launched in July. Councilmember Williams, Borough President Richards, and DCP also held four in-person workshops, gathering input from more than 461 attendees over the course of five months. Councilmember Williams and DCP also convened a steering committee including local elected officials, civic, business, and faith leaders for direction and feedback on the proposed framework. 

The framework covers more than 300 blocks and offers a vision of housing opportunity, economic growth, enhanced infrastructure and public space, and increased access to transit. In the Downtown Core, it would establish MIH to create permanently affordable income-restricted housing and position the heart of the Central Business District as a mixed-use neighborhood. Further north, south, and east of the Jamaica Rail Hub, the “Moderate” Downtown Core areas would establish MIH and encourage mixed uses on key north-south corridors while supporting connections to transit. On transit corridors along Hillside Avenue, eastern Jamaica Avenue, and southern corridors, the framework would support affordable housing at contextual scales, support faith-based organization partners, encourage pedestrian safety and transit access, and encourage locally-serving retail. In industrial areas, the framework would affirm the position of the Jamaica Industrial Business Zone (IBZ) for job growth and critical services, while supporting new employment opportunities and harmonious growth with the nearby downtown areas. 

DCP will continue to share the framework and gather feedback from New Yorkers through the winter and spring, before releasing a “draft scope of work” to begin environmental review for a rezoning proposal in the coming months. 

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Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.