Editorial | New York state should build affordable housing at Aqueduct | amNewYork

"At 100 acres, Aqueduct represents a golden opportunity for the state and city to put a serious dent in the affordable housing crisis. The site is bigger than Hudson Yards (28 acres), Willets Point (23 acres) and Hunters Point South (30 acres) combined – three new, largely residential communities that have been developed or are still being built over the last 20 years."

"The land should include a fair mix of not just soaring apartment buildings but also townhouses and rowhouses. There is more than enough land to do both. The smaller houses should fit in with the character of the neighboring communities of Ozone Park and South Ozone Park, which are dominated by one- to three-family homes."

"There should be opportunities for families from across the city not only to rent affordable apartments but also to buy affordable homes. The American dream of home ownership is slipping away for too many people because of the soaring costs of housing."

The Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens is closing after 130 years of operation, with the New York Racing Association consolidating racing at Belmont Park. The state will take control of the 100-acre site in fall and is soliciting public input on its future development. The site represents a significant opportunity larger than Hudson Yards, Willets Point, and Hunters Point South combined. Affordable housing should be the priority, as New York City faces a severe shortage. The development should include a diverse mix of apartment buildings, townhouses, and rowhouses that complement neighboring communities like Ozone Park and South Ozone Park. The project should provide rental and homeownership opportunities for families across income levels, helping restore access to the American dream of home ownership.

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