A development team consisting of Slate Property Group, Hudson Companies and Volunteers of America has been selected to construct nearly 1,000 new residential units on a vacant parcel of land in Long Island City, Queens. The 70,000-square-foot development at 54-42 Second Street will be named The Orion, with two-thirds of the units designated as affordable housing.
David Schwartz, Principal and Co-founder of Slate Property Group, stated in a release that this development is exactly what New York needs, and they look forward to working with City Hall to begin work as quickly as possible. The site is located within the 30-acre Hunter’s Point South residential complex. Upon completion, Hunter’s Point South is expected to include approximately 5,000 new residential units, of which around 3,000 will be affordable.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) had already solicited developers for the site known as Parcel E in June of the previous year. The Request for Proposals included a requirement that Parcel E provide more affordable housing than previous phases. The Orion will comprise approximately 980 new homes. Two-thirds of these homes, around 658 units, will be income-restricted and affordable for households ranging from very low to moderate income. Approximately 150 units will be designated as supportive housing.
Laszlo Syrop, Principal and Head of Acquisitions at Hudson Companies, expressed that reaching households at every income level in a promising neighbourhood like Hunter’s Point reflects a simple belief: where New Yorkers live should not depend solely on income. The mixed-use community, designed by Marvel Architects, will include an affordable childcare centre, a workforce development centre and a public swimming pool. Approximately 6,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space will also be provided along Second Street and Center Boulevard.
Parcel E will be the sixth of seven parcels to be developed in Hunter’s Point South. The complex already houses more than 3,000 new residential units, three schools, retail outlets and other community facilities. TF Cornerstone, once considered a favourite for the most recent parcel, has already developed much of Hunter’s Point South with its mixed-use Malt Drive development.
