New York City, NY – New York City is turning a long-quiet piece of Queens history into a bold step toward solving its housing crisis. On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced plans to transform the former Flushing Airport site into a new neighborhood with about 3,000 homes, 60 acres of green space and hundreds of jobs—marking a major investment in NYC affordable housing and community-focused development.
This announcement kicks off what the city is calling “Housing Week” and adds momentum to Mayor Adams’ goal of building 500,000 new homes across the five boroughs by 2032.
The development will be led by Cirrus Workforce Housing and LCOR Incorporated—two New York-based firms selected through a competitive process. The plan will create more than 1,300 union construction jobs and over 500 permanent positions, injecting an estimated $3.2 billion into the local economy over the next 30 years.
From Runway to Residences
Once New York City’s first airfield, the Flushing Airport shut down in 1984 and has mostly returned to nature. Now, the site will be reimagined as a green, livable and affordable community. The developers plan to build with sustainable features and high-quality landscaping. Ideas include nature trails, sitting areas, wetlands integration and open spaces for the public.
The entire project will be built using 100% union labor and funded in part by union pension funds—a model that leaders say supports both workers and the communities they build.
Affordable Housing Plan for Working New Yorkers
The homes planned for the site will focus on affordability and workforce needs—something union leaders and city officials say has been missing in recent developments.
“This is exactly the kind of investment working New Yorkers have been waiting for,” said Joseph Azzopardi from the Painters and Allied Trades union. “New homes, union jobs and green space—it’s a smart investment in people and place.”
City leaders hope this project shows what’s possible when city-owned land is used to serve everyday New Yorkers like teachers, police officers, firefighters, retail workers and construction crews.
Patrick Hendry, president of the NYPD’s union, said this development may help keep first responders living in the neighborhoods they serve. “Housing costs have pushed too many of our members out of the city,” he said. “This is a welcome step.”
NYC Affordable Housing Goals
This Flushing Airport redevelopment is part of a broader push by the Adams administration to tackle New York’s housing shortage. Over the past year, the city has passed zoning reforms, invested billions in affordable housing and launched new plans to support homeowners, renters, and tenants citywide.
Earlier this year, Mayor Adams launched the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” a plan to unlock 80,000 new homes over 15 years. The city also committed $24.7 billion to housing in its 10-year capital plan.
The mayor’s new “City of Yes for Families” plan continues that mission—encouraging development near transit, schools, grocery stores and parks to create complete, family-friendly neighborhoods.
NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball said the Flushing project is a symbol of how the city is using every tool it has to solve the housing crisis.
“This is about delivering housing, jobs and public space in a way that works for communities,” he said. “We’re excited to partner with local residents, unions, and developers to bring this to life.”
What’s Next?
Construction on the Flushing Airport site is expected to begin in 2028, following a full environmental review and community input through the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).
Until then, city agencies and community members will continue to plan, refine and shape what this new neighborhood will look like.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards called the moment historic:
“This is a chance to turn a vacant space into forever homes, small businesses, and beautiful park space. Queens is ready.”
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