A major development proposal in eastern Queens could reshape the Fresh Meadows neighborhood with thousands of new apartments, upgraded infrastructure and improved community amenities.
Queens Fresh Meadows LLC announced plans on Friday, May 9, to seek city approval for a large-scale redevelopment effort known as the “Fresh Meadows Vision.” The plan outlines the construction of up to 2,000 high-quality, mixed-income apartments aimed at addressing the borough’s growing need for affordable housing. In addition to new housing, the proposal includes major improvements to green spaces, common areas, and infrastructure upgrades intended to benefit both current tenants and future residents.
The long-term plan also includes 1,800 new parking spaces to support the added housing. Infrastructure enhancements would focus on stormwater management and sanitation—two persistent concerns in Queens neighborhoods.
While the proposal is still in its early stages and subject to change, the current version of the Fresh Meadows Vision calls for new community-oriented retail along 188th Street, between 64th Avenue and 69th Avenue. It also includes upgraded childcare and senior care facilities, as well as accessible housing options to serve a broader population.
Queens Fresh Meadows LLC said the project will be shaped with regular input from residents and local stakeholders. The proposal is expected to undergo a comprehensive public review process involving the New York City Planning Commission, the City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Queens Community Board 8, as part of the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). If approved, construction would be phased in over several years to minimize disruption to the surrounding community.
Queens Fresh Meadows LLC has retained the law firm Cozen O’Connor as the zoning and land use counsel in connection with the Fresh Meadows Vision project. Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies is also being retained as a government relations consultant. The assigned environmental and civil consultant is the civil engineering company VHB, the landscape architect is Tier II Landscape Design and the architects and urban designers come from FXCollaborative.
A neighborhood meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, and is open to all current Fresh Meadows residents.
The community board will be meeting and discussing this issue on Thursday, May 22. A presentation on the proposal will be available during this meeting. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Fresh Meadows Vision proposal, ask questions and share feedback. Organizers encourage community members to participate in the conversation as planning efforts move forward.
