New York

NEW YORK CITY — Queens Development Group, a joint venture between Related Cos. and New York-based Sterling Equities, has begun leasing the first phase of Willets Point Commons, a 2,500-unit affordable housing project in Queens. Phase I of Willets Point Commons comprises two mid-rise buildings housing a combined 880 units, 40 percent of which are reserved for residents earning 60 percent or less of the area median income. Another 15 percent of units are set aside for tenants that formerly experienced homelessness. Amenities include a landscaped inner courtyard, laundry facilities, lounge space with access to outdoor terraces, bicycle storage and ground-floor retail space. Related and Sterling partnered with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development and the New York City Housing Development Corp. on the project. Construction began in December 2023.

NEW YORK CITY — A partnership between locally based developer Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership has completed a 318-unit affordable housing redevelopment project in Queens. The property, which is known as Baisley Pond Park Residences, is a conversion of the 350-room JFK Hilton Hotel in the borough’s Jamaica neighborhood, which was originally built in 1987 and is located about half a mile from JFK International Airport. The new complex houses studio, one- and two-bedroom units and amenities such as a fitness center, computer lounge and multiple common rooms. Aufgang Architects designed the project. Leasing began last spring.