Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the first phase of the Creedmoor Mixed-Use Project in eastern Queens. The initiative aims to transform underused state-owned land into a mixed-use community that will include affordable rental units, homeownership opportunities, community facilities, retail space, parking, and open areas. The RFP was issued by Empire State Development (ESD), following approvals from both the ESD Board and the Public Authorities Control Board.
According to Governor Hochul, “Creedmoor represents an opportunity we must seize to address our housing crisis: repurposing underused State land into new affordable homes for the families who need them. With this RFP, we’re advancing a community-driven plan that delivers housing, open space, and services while strengthening the fabric of Eastern Queens. My administration remains committed to working hand-in-hand with local residents and leaders as this project moves forward. Creedmoor will help build a more affordable, more livable future for this community and for our State.”
Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development said, “This next phase brings the long-term vision for Creedmoor closer to becoming a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. Guided by extensive community input, the first phase will be 100 percent affordable housing and create new public spaces and amenities to serve new and existing residents. With Governor Hochul’s leadership and the support of the NY-RUSH initiative, ESD is positioned to partner with a developer who shares our commitment to thoughtful design, sustainability, and community engagement as we activate this site.”
The project builds on priorities identified through the Creedmoor Community Master Plan (CCMP), which involved over 400 participants from more than 30 local organizations in planning workshops led by ESD in collaboration with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The plan envisions a development including affordable rentals and homeownership options—both market-rate and subsidized—alongside retail outlets and public spaces.
The first phase will be located along Hillside Avenue at Creedmoor’s campus in Bellerose. This area contains six vacant or partially occupied buildings slated for demolition as well as roadways and parking lots. Infrastructure work will connect the site with city streets and utility networks.
A site tour is scheduled for December 17, 2025; interested developers must RSVP by December 15.
Key objectives outlined in the RFP include creating affordable rental housing—including supportive units—affordable homeownership opportunities, community facilities such as grocery stores or urgent care centers, neighborhood retail spaces, structured parking solutions, open green areas, and environmentally sustainable design practices aligned with New York’s Climate Leadership goals.
Funding support comes from Governor Hochul’s $500 million Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (NY-RUSH) initiative; eligible costs include building demolition as well as infrastructure improvements necessary for development.
The broader Creedmoor campus spans 125 acres but has seen reduced use since state mental health operations were consolidated elsewhere. The redevelopment will not affect ongoing mental health or developmental disability services provided on other parts of the property.
Governor Hochul’s broader housing agenda includes measures enacted through recent state budgets designed to expand New York’s housing supply via tax incentives and capital funding programs such as NY-RUSH. Over $1.5 billion in new funding was included in FY26 alongside voucher pilot programs intended to improve affordability statewide; these efforts complement her five-year $25 billion Housing Plan targeting creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable homes across New York—with more than 70,000 already delivered—and electrification upgrades for another 50,000 homes.
Local officials expressed support for moving forward on this project:
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky stated: “The revised plan’s Phase One will help secure much-needed affordable housing for our borough that reflects the priorities residents have lifted up for years. I thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for advancing a plan that ensures State resources are used to meet the needs of the community.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie commented: “Today’s RFP release is another meaningful step toward transforming Creedmoor into the kind of community eastern Queens has long envisioned. Residents have consistently called for more affordable housing… This first phase begins to turn those priorities into tangible opportunities… I commend Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for keeping community input at the forefront of this process.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., who worked closely on developing CCMP alongside ESD partners said: “The Creedmoor Community Master Plan…will be nothing short of transformative… Today’s announcement represents a critical step forward toward turning that transformative vision into a dynamic reality deserving of our communities.”
Proposals responding to this RFP are due March 18, 2026.
