The project is also set to be the first net-zero community in New York City, using geothermal and solar energy to offset power usage.
Similar to Willets Point and Creedmoor, Arverne East will be built on a previously empty spot of land that has long been an eye-sore in the area. Local Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson called it “one of the largest urban blights in our city.”
“Now that period is coming to a close, so that’s something to celebrate,” he said. “We’re stepping up into a new future, and that’s very, very moving.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richard compared the empty land to the “Valley of Ashes,” being replaced by the ongoing development at Willets Point.
“It was just a dump, literally a vacant dump,” he said. “We always saw a valley of opportunity at this site.”
“This community has rightfully always felt the sting of disinvestment, but today, we’ve turned trash into a treasure,” added Richards.
Officials also lauded Arverne East for its energy priorities, which may be particularly meaningful to the community that has historically borne the brunt of the effects of climate change in New York City.
“This building is setting a new standard for sustainability and environmental responsibility, something especially critical for a waterfront community like ours,” said City Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers. “Following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy we know firsthand the importance of building not just more housing, but smarter and more resilient housing.”
Arverne East is one of several large developments going up in Rockaway, and one of many planned for Queens.
The Creedmoor development, which will bring 2,022 new homes to Eastern Queens, was approved in December. Willets Point Commons, the first 880 units of the 2,500 planned for the new neighborhood at Willets Point, closed its housing lottery last month after overwhelming demand. It’s expected to begin welcoming residents this month.