Site will be one of first parcels developed after major rezoning. The New York City Economic Development Corporation issued a request for proposals seeking a developer to purchase a 45,000-square-foot City-owned site in downtown Jamaica and develop it into a mixed-use building with retail space, housing, and parking. A two-story parking garage partially used by the NYPD currently occupies the site, which is part of the Special Downtown Jamaica District from Jamaica Avenue to 93rd Avenue, between 169th and 168th Streets.

The City approved the site for sale and rezoned it to accommodate retail, service and residential uses under the Jamaica Plan, one of the largest rezonings in the City’s history. 4 CityLand 117 (Sept. 15, 2007).

Under the RFP, the winning developer would construct a 324,000-square-foot mixed-use building, taking advantage of the inclusionary housing bonus. EDC requires that at least 35,000 sq.ft. of the new building be reserved for retail space and lists a sitdown restaurant as a priority. Permanently- affordable rental units must comprise at least 20 percent of the building’s housing. Lastly, the developer must provide the required off-street accessory parking and be prepared to set aside 87 parking spaces for the NYPD.

Under the RFP, the winning developer would construct a 324,000-square-foot mixed-use building, taking advantage of the inclusionary housing bonus. EDC requires that at least 35,000 sq.ft. of the new building be reserved for retail space and lists a sitdown restaurant as a priority. Permanently- affordable rental units must comprise at least 20 percent of the building’s housing. Lastly, the developer must provide the required off-street accessory parking and be prepared to set aside 87 parking spaces for the NYPD.

EDC set a November 29, 2007 deadline for responses and expects to close the sale of the site by summer 2008.

New York City Economic Development Corporation Request for Proposals, 168th Street Development, Jamaica, Queens (Sept. 19, 2007).