Phase one of the long-delayed 62-acre Willets Point redevelopment project in Queens, N.Y., reached the proposal stage with the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s call for request for proposals. RFPs were sent to the group of 29 developers that answered its request for qualifications in 2009. NYCEDC asked the group to form teams and create a development proposal that will be due on August 12, 2011.

The 12.7-acre phase one plan includes up to 68,000 sq ft of retail space, up to 400 housing units—35% of which will be qualified as affordable—a hotel, two acres of open space and a parking area. NYCEDC created the plan in a joint effort with community and local elected officials and is expected to create 1,800 permanent jobs and 4,600 construction jobs.

Progress on the redevelopment project has been at a standstill with no infrastructure developer selected. An RFP to find one is currently in progress.

“This project has been delayed for too long and we must move forward,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras in a statement.