Edgemere Avenue To Undergo Massive Streetscape Upgrade For Housing

QUEENS — An avenue in Edgemere mostly composed of empty lots will get a massive infrastructure redesign to support the construction of more than 1,000 housing units in the area.

The reconstruction will take place on Edgemere Avenue, between Beach 32nd and Beach 38th Streets, to then build 1,650 townhomes, bungalows and mid-rise multifamily units.

The streetscape redesign is expected to minimize flood risks in the neighborhood, which was most recently hit by the winter storm in December, by demolishing outdated infrastructure and installing storm sewers, rain gardens, and stormwater swales.

"The Rockaways are in desperate need of investment in resilient infrastructure,” Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, New York City Council Majority Whip. “This revitalization of Edgemere Avenue’s streetscape will help protect the area from storms and the impacts of climate change, beautify the street, and serve as a necessary foundation for future development.”

The $44.66 million project by L+M Development Partners, Bluestone Organization, and Triangle Equities was funded by Housing Infrastructure Funds from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Over 80 percent of the housing units will be available to households from formerly homeless to middle-income individuals, while the other 20 percent will be market-rate.

Homeownership opportunities will also be available in affordable and market rates.

The project will include a new welcome center, park ranger office, comfort station, a community space, and a main retail corridor.