Jamaica Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Complex

An artist’s rendering of the Archer Green Apartments, a new affordable housing complex coming to Jamaica. // Rendering courtesy of Edelman Sultan Knox Wood Architects

By David Brand

On Friday, lawmakers and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a 100 percent affordable housing and mixed-use development at 92-23 168th Street in Jamaica.

The approximately 45,000 square foot complex, known as the Archer Green Apartments, will include over 350 units of affordable housing, recreational facilities and commercial/retail space. The site will help generate hundreds of good-paying construction and permanent jobs, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

The project is part of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said the new development reflects Jamaica’s resurgence.

“Jamaica’s transformation continues as we break ground on a long-awaited development that delivers on our promise to expand opportunities in Jamaica including affordable housing,” Katz said. “A hallmark of the Jamaica NOW Action Plan is to revitalize one of Queens’ most critical commercial and cultural hubs, this mixed-use complex will provide the community with the affordable housing, community facility space, retail and employment opportunities it needs — and deserves — going forward.”

The development will anchor redevelopment along 168th Street, said Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President and CEO Hope Knight

"The 168th Street corridor is being reborn with much-needed affordable housing, community space and retail for the residents of Jamaica and Southeast Queens," Knight said,. “The redevelopment of this long underutilized lot perfectly demonstrates the city's commitment to Jamaica's future.”