Finding reasonably priced housing in New York City has long felt like searching for a miracle. Now, residents may finally see a breakthrough — and it’s happening in Queens. According to developers at QDG, a major new affordable housing opportunity has opened, bringing 880 rental units to one of the borough’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
As reported by NY Buzz, the newly announced units offer hope to thousands of New Yorkers facing the city’s relentless housing crunch.
Affordable Apartments for a Wide Range of Incomes
The available units span studios to three-bedrooms, with eligibility extended to households earning 30% to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This broad range makes the opportunity accessible to low-, moderate-, and middle-income families.
The breakdown of set-asides adds even more promise:
- 20% of units for residents of Queens Community Board 7
- 10% reserved for veterans and municipal employees
- 7% designated for applicants with mobility, visual, or hearing accessibility needs
Applications must be submitted through NYC Housing Connect, the city’s official affordable-housing lottery platform.
Modern Buildings With Strong Community Amenities
The buildings will debut alongside new public green space, marking a major step in reshaping the Willets Point area. Residents will have access to a long list of modern amenities, including:
- Landscaped courtyards
- Outdoor terraces & grilling stations
- Lounge areas
- Community garden
- Fitness center
- Children’s playroom
- Co-working space
- Ground-floor retail
Both buildings are fully electric and designed to meet LEED Gold standards, advancing the city’s sustainability goals. Features include bike storage, electric-vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient systems. Operations will be overseen by Related Management Company, one of the city’s major property managers.
Prime Location With Fast Access to Transit
The development sits on 39th Avenue in Queens, a corridor city officials describe as rapidly evolving. With direct connections to the 7 train, Long Island Rail Road, and multiple bus routes, commuting times to Manhattan may be under 30 minutes. LaGuardia Airport is just five minutes away, making the location especially appealing for frequent travelers and airport workers.
How Much Will the Apartments Cost?
Rents vary widely depending on household income:
- Studios starting at $486 per month for applicants earning up to $34,020
- For higher-income applicants (above $100,000), studios begin around $2,034
This range ensures the project reaches households across different income brackets.
What’s Coming Next at Willets Point
The housing expansion does not end here. A third residential building is expected to begin construction soon, bringing 220 additional affordable units specifically for low-income seniors.
The larger Willets Point redevelopment includes:
- A newly built public school
- Over 150,000 sq. ft. of public open space
- A hotel
- Etihad Park, future home to NYCFC’s fully electric soccer stadium — the first of its kind in Major League Soccer
City officials estimate the entire project will contribute $6.1 billion in economic impact and generate over 15,000 jobs in the next three decades.
How to Apply
Demand will be high, and apartments are expected to go quickly.
To apply:
- Create an account on NYC Housing Connect
- Search for the building under the current affordable housing lotteries
- Submit your application before the deadline
If selected, applicants could move in as early as April 2026.