Jamaica rezoning may be moving along

The Bloomberg Administration submitted an application on July 12 for the rezoning of 368 blocks of Jamaica - one of the largest rezonings ever proposed by the administration.
The administration’s initiative seeks to encourage the development of three million square feet of commercial space in downtown Jamaica. It will also provide opportunities for more than 3,400 new units of housing, of which nearly 800 will be affordable.
“The Jamaica Plan underscores the administration’s commitment to provide the right tools for creating new jobs and housing in all five boroughs by building on the assets of important regional centers,” said Amanda M. Burden, director of the New York City Department of City Planning. “It also continues the administration’s sustainable planning strategy to catalyze growth near mass transit - and Jamaica boasts some of the best transit connections in the city and the region - while relieving development pressure on the lower density communities that provide important housing alternatives.”
Residents have voiced concerns about density along the eastern end of Hillside Avenue, as well as on Merrick Boulevard and Jamaica and Liberty Avenues, and the administration has responded by modifying the zoning to provide better transitions to adjacent lower-scale neighborhoods, Burden said.
“Jamaica deserves the very best zoning plan, one that is comprehensive and inclusive, to provide for orderly growth that builds upon its strengths and provides for its long-term needs,” Burden said.