Jamaica Neighborhood Plan Gets Green Light: 12,000 New Homes and 7,000 Jobs on the Horizon

The City Planning Commission (CPC) has advanced the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, certifying it during a recent special review session. This plan aims to reshape Jamaica over the next 15 years by enhancing housing options, improving public spaces, and bolstering economic opportunities for its diverse community.

With a focus on Jamaica Center, the plan outlines the intent to add approximately 12,000 new homes, including around 4,000 income-restricted units. Key components of the strategy include implementing mandatory inclusionary housing (MIH), the largest of its kind in the city, which will ensure that a significant percentage of new developments remain affordable. (Source: https://youtu.be/6gPqCIUkeQY&t=1435).

Community engagement played a crucial role throughout the planning process, involving over 38 meetings and input from residents and local stakeholders. This collaboration helped establish overarching goals: improving quality of life, fostering economic growth, maintaining Jamaica’s cultural diversity, and creating environmentally sustainable conditions. Testimony highlighted the community’s desire for meaningful participation in the decision-making process, emphasizing a cooperative approach between residents and planners. (Source: https://youtu.be/6gPqCIUkeQY&t=204).

In addition to housing, the plan anticipates generating over 2 million square feet of new commercial space, which could create around 7,000 new jobs in Jamaica. Planners aim to ensure that the area’s development not only provides jobs but also supports local economic growth without sacrificing the neighborhood’s character. (Source: https://youtu.be/6gPqCIUkeQY&t=790).

Furthermore, the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan addresses community concerns about displacement by incorporating anti-displacement initiatives. Local organizations will receive support to conduct workshops that educate residents about their rights, aiming to empower both renters and homeowners in navigating the changing housing landscape. (Source: https://youtu.be/6gPqCIUkeQY&t=2819).

As the City Planning Commission moves forward with the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, residents and stakeholders will continue to shape its evolution with ongoing opportunities for feedback and participation, ensuring that the vision for Jamaica remains reflective of its community’s aspirations.