August 21, 2025
There’s big news out of College Point, Queens. Mayor Eric Adams just announced a major development plan that could bring 3,000 new homes to the long-abandoned site of the former Flushing Airport.
As a real estate professional, this is the kind of forward momentum we like to see—especially in a market that’s desperate for housing across all price points.
Let’s break it down.
The site in question spans 80 acres and has been dormant since the Flushing Airport closed in 1984. Since then, it’s returned to a more natural wetland state. That environmental factor is actually shaping the entire development plan.
Of those 80 acres, only about 30 are legally buildable, with the rest designated as protected wetlands—which means this won’t be a concrete jungle. The new plans incorporate nature walks, open space, and even wildlife habitats to keep the project sustainable and community-oriented.
The project comes from a joint venture between Cirrus Workforce Housing and LCOR Incorporated, with support from NYCEDC and full union labor backing. It’s expected to generate over $3 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years.
That includes more than 1,300 construction jobs and over 500 permanent roles once everything is up and running.
But here’s the real headline: this is a mixed-income housing development. That means both affordable housing and market-rate workforce housing will be in the mix. For agents like us, this opens up future opportunities to serve a broader range of clients—from first-time buyers to city workers looking to own without leaving NYC.
Of course, not everyone is on board. Local residents have raised concerns over the environmental impact—especially the risk to freshwater aquifers and the surrounding wetlands. But the city has responded by reinforcing that strict environmental regulations are in place, and most of the land will remain untouched.
This move is part of Adams' broader “City of Yes” plan, a push to identify and utilize underused city-owned land for much-needed housing. It’s also a signal to brokers and investors that the city is getting more serious—and creative—about easing the housing crunch.
So, what does this mean for you? This project is still early in the pipeline, but as a broker, now’s the time to start building relationships in Queens, especially around College Point and Flushing. This is one of the last large-scale city-owned sites left—and it’s about to transform the local housing landscape.
Stay ready. The future of Queens real estate is being built right now.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
