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 seeks a developer to transform underused state-owned land into a mixed-use community with affordable rental units, homeownership opportunities, community facilities, retail space, parking, and open space. The RFP was issued by Empire State Development (ESD), following recent approvals of the project’s Master Plan by both the ESD Board and the Public Authorities Control Board.
Governor Hochul stated, “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 development proposals are required to be fully affordable and reflect priorities set out in the Creedmoor Community Master Plan (CCMP), which was published in December 2023 after workshops involving over 400 participants from more than 30 local organizations. The plan aims to integrate affordable rentals alongside market-rate homeownership options as well as neighborhood retail spaces and public amenities.
The site selected for phase one is along Hillside Avenue at the Creedmoor campus in Bellerose. It currently includes six vacant or partially occupied buildings slated for demolition along with roadways and parking lots. This location connects directly with city infrastructure such as streets and utility networks.
A site tour is scheduled on December 17, 2025 for interested developers; RSVPs are due by December 15.
Key objectives outlined in the RFP include providing supportive housing options; encouraging uses like grocery stores or urgent care centers within community facilities; creating structured parking; ensuring environmentally sustainable design aligned with New York’s Climate Leadership goals; hiring locally; and including certified minority-, women-, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Funding through Governor Hochul’s $500 million NY-RUSH initiative will help cover costs related to infrastructure improvements needed at the site such as demolition work or utility construction.
The larger Creedmoor campus dates back to 1908 but has been largely underutilized since mental health operations were modernized 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 passed in recent state budgets—such as tax incentives, capital funding programs like NY-RUSH targeting state-owned properties for residential use—and efforts aimed at improving affordability statewide. These policies are part of a five-year plan seeking creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable homes across New York.
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky commented: “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 added: “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, real homeownership opportunities, supportive services for veterans, open space and neighborhood-serving amenities. This first phase begins to turn those priorities into tangible opportunities for families, seniors and long-time community members who want to remain here. I commend Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for keeping community input at the forefront of this process and I look forward to continuing this work as the redevelopment moves ahead.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said “The Creedmoor Community Master Plan, which I am proud to have led alongside our partners at Empire State Development, will be nothing short of transformative for Eastern Queens and the families who call it home. Today’s announcement represents a critical step forward toward turning that transformative vision into a dynamic reality deserving of our communities. I look forward to seeing what will surely be plenty of strong proposals that are submitted through this RFP process, as we look to bring this critical plan to life in the form of affordable homeownership opportunities, community facilities, retail, open space and so much more.”