South Jamaica, Queens, is seeing the first fruits of New York's bold approach to affordable housing with the completion of Baisley Pond Park Residences, a 318-unit development that reshaped the former JFK Hilton hotel into cost-effective homes. Governor Kathy Hochul led the charge on this project, which is part of New York State Homes and Community Renewal's commitment to creating or preserving more than 2,600 homes in the borough, and plays into the broader goal of New York’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan.
In a statement highlighted by the Governor's Office official announcement, "Baisley Pond Park Residences shows what’s possible when New York moves with creativity, and purpose to meet the housing crisis head-on." The development aims to not only supply affordable housing but also provides assistance for low-income and formerly homeless individuals by offering 191 supportive apartments.
The conversion initiative falls under New York’s Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) and supports households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. The project also introduces several eco-friendly highlights, including all-electric systems, energy-efficient appliances, and rooftop solar panels that contribute to a significant reduction of the building’s carbon footprint.
Stakeholders from the community and private sectors have played key roles in realizing this initiative. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. underscored the innovative thinking behind the conversion: "Converting the former JFK Hilton into 318 high-quality, affordable homes for some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers is a perfect example of the ingenuity we need in this moment." The project was a joint endeavor, with Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership leading development efforts, and funding arriving from a range of city and state sources, including a $47.7 million investment through HCR’s Hotel and Commercial Conversion Program, as per the Governor's Office.
Among the amenities residents will enjoy are an indoor garden, computer lounges, and a brand new mural, "Queens Rising," a tribute to the borough’s vibrant history and community by artist Danielle Mastrion. "Creating Queens Rising has been one of the most meaningful projects of my career," Mastrion told the Governor's Office, echoing a sentiment of connectivity and significance to the space.
Looking forward, Governor Hochul continues to advance an aggressive housing agenda which includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing efforts, along with policies to benefit tenants and buyers. Her administration has helped designate over 380 Pro-Housing certified communities, New York City included, ultimately gaining exclusive access to additional State funding to promote the expansion of affordable housing across the State.
