Maria Santos has been scrolling through apartment listings for months, watching rent prices climb higher than her teacher’s salary could ever reach. Every weekend, she drives through Queens neighborhoods with her two young children in the backseat, hoping to find something—anything—that might work for their family of three.
Like thousands of other New Yorkers, Maria represents the growing number of working families caught in the city’s housing crisis. Teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other essential workers find themselves priced out of the communities they serve.
But this April, Maria and hundreds of families like hers might finally catch a break. The Willets Point affordable housing project is opening its doors, transforming a former industrial wasteland into what could become Queens’ most exciting new neighborhood.
A Game-Changing Development Rises in Queens
The Willets Point redevelopment represents more than just new apartments—it’s a complete neighborhood transformation happening right across from Citi Field. What was once forgotten industrial land is becoming a vibrant community where working families can actually afford to live.
“This first building here is 880 units of affordable housing,” explains Frank Monterisi, Executive Vice President at Related Management Company. “This is the start of a whole new neighborhood… we built affordable housing at the same quality as we built market-rate housing.”
The project’s first phase welcomes residents this April, but the vision extends far beyond these initial buildings. When complete, Willets Point will house 2,500 families, include a new school, retail spaces, a hotel, and the planned NYCFC soccer stadium. It’s urban planning on a massive scale, designed to create a truly livable community.
City Councilmember Shanel Thomas-Henry sees the bigger picture: “This is something that’s going to help new families, existing families grow in a brand-new community that we can call our own.”
What You Need to Know About Applying
The application process runs through NYC Housing Connect, the city’s housing lottery system. But understanding the details can make the difference between getting approved and missing out entirely.
Here’s what the Willets Point affordable housing project offers in its first phase:
- Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments
- Modern finishes and amenities throughout
- Access to new public green spaces
- On-site gyms and community rooms
- Children’s play areas and outdoor terraces
- Laundry facilities and package rooms
- Secure bike storage
The income requirements and rent structure accommodate a wide range of New York families:
| Income Level (AMI) | Household Income Range | Monthly Rent Range |
|---|---|---|
| 30% AMI | $20,469 – $29,340 | $486 – $697 |
| 50% AMI | $34,100 – $48,900 | $810 – $1,162 |
| 80% AMI | $54,560 – $78,240 | $1,296 – $1,859 |
| 100% AMI | $68,200 – $100,350 | $1,620 – $2,034 |
The beauty of this structure? It creates economic diversity within the same building, avoiding the concentration of poverty that has plagued some affordable housing projects.
Why Location Matters More Than Ever
Transportation costs eat up a huge chunk of most New Yorkers’ budgets, but Willets Point residents won’t face that burden. The development sits steps from both the 7 train and Long Island Rail Road, connecting residents to Manhattan, nearby boroughs, and job centers across the region.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about economic opportunity. When families can reach jobs, schools, and services easily, their quality of life improves dramatically.
The neighborhood also benefits from its proximity to existing amenities. Citi Field brings year-round activity, while nearby shops and restaurants provide daily necessities. As the development grows, new retail spaces will add even more options.
Monterisi emphasizes the collaborative approach that shaped this vision: “We sat down with our partners in government, listened to people in the area, listened to our community partners, and came up with a great plan.”
The community features extend beyond typical apartment amenities. Residents will have access to outdoor grills for community gatherings, lounges for socializing, and thoughtfully designed green spaces that encourage neighbors to connect.
For families with children, the development includes dedicated play areas and will eventually feature a new school. Parents won’t need to worry about long commutes to quality education options.
The timeline for full completion spans several years, but each phase builds on the last. The NYCFC soccer stadium will bring world-class entertainment right to residents’ doorsteps, while the planned hotel and retail spaces will create local job opportunities.
This approach to affordable housing development represents a shift in thinking. Instead of isolated projects, Willets Point creates a complete neighborhood where families can put down roots and build lasting connections.
The application window won’t stay open forever, and with 880 units available in the first phase, competition will be fierce. Families who meet the income requirements should start gathering their documentation now.
For working families like Maria, projects like Willets Point represent hope in a housing market that often feels impossible to navigate. The combination of affordable rents, modern amenities, and excellent location creates opportunities that simply don’t exist elsewhere in the current market.
FAQs
How do I apply for Willets Point affordable housing?
Applications are available through NYC Housing Connect, the city’s official housing lottery website at nyc.gov/housingconnect.
What income levels qualify for these apartments?
Households earning between $20,469 and $301,350 annually may qualify, depending on family size and specific unit requirements.
When will the first residents move in?
The first phase of Willets Point is scheduled to welcome residents in April 2024.
What amenities are included in the development?
Residents will have access to gyms, community rooms, children’s play areas, outdoor terraces, laundry facilities, and secure bike storage.
How is transportation access from Willets Point?
The development is steps from the 7 train and Long Island Rail Road, providing direct access to Manhattan and other boroughs.
Will there be schools in the neighborhood?
Yes, the full Willets Point development will include a new school, along with retail spaces, parks, and the planned NYCFC soccer stadium.
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