Good morning, my name is Matthew Flower, Research Intern at Regional Plan Association. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan.
RPA has long advocated for more housing in central, transit-rich areas, such as Downtown Jamaica. We have also been a longtime partner in this neighborhood and have advocated for many of the specific components of this proposed rezoning. As such, we strongly support this proposal.
In particular, we support the mapping of a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing zone, which will deliver up to 4,000 new affordable housing units as part of the development of over 12,000 total housing units. This will provide much-needed new housing to a transit-rich neighborhood that currently lacks affordable options.
With over half a million new homes needed in the region, this proposal represents an important step forward. New York City is facing a significant housing crisis, as demand for housing units, particularly affordable ones, is at an all-time high. The city faces a historically low rental vacancy rate of just 1.4%. As a result of the housing shortage, market-rate rents in New York City have increased by 36% since 2015. Today, 52% of renters are cost-burdened, spending up to a third of their income on housing. Nearly a third are severely cost-burdened, spending half or more. Homeowners are also impacted, with 44% considered burdened by housing costs.
Last year, RPA published the “Homes on Track” report, which advocates for thriving communities near transit. Downtown Jamaica ranked high on RPA’s opportunity score for Transit Oriented Development, or TOD. It is considered a “TOD-ready” location.
The Jamaica study area has many of the place-based characteristics that drive successful transit-oriented development. With numerous subways, rail lines and bus routes, residents can access about 640,000 jobs within a 45-minute multi-modal commute. Jamaica Station is a major hub on the Long Island Rail Road and is surrounded by a diverse mix of buildings and land uses. Additionally, there is about 12 acres of vacant land and 74 acres of unbuilt lots within half a mile of the station, offering opportunities for infill development.
In addition to better balancing the needs between new affordable housing, manufacturing uses, and commercial business owners, the proposal seeks to map new Manufacturing districts recently created by the City of Yes for Economic Opportunity text amendment.
Finally, RPA would like to commend the modifications made to the proposal by the City Planning Commission. We note that the project’s goals have been updated to articulate a clearer focus on mixed-use and transit-oriented development, in addition to clarifying that new housing options should be accessible to households across the income spectrum. We believe that these changes address many of the community concerns raised at CPC and have led to a stronger proposal.
The forward-looking land use and zoning policies being considered today can shape a more vibrant and inclusive Downtown Jamaica. As such, we recommend that the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises adopt this measure. As always, RPA is available to discuss concerns or offer insights to help realize our shared priorities.
