Phase one of the long-delayed 62-acre Willets Point redevelopment project in Queens, N.Y., took a step forward with the New York City Economic Development Corp.’s May 9 call for proposal requests.

Rendering courtesy of NYCEDC

Willets Point The 12.7-acre phase-one plan of the Willets Point project is expected to create 1,800 permanent jobs and 4,600 construction jobs.

NYCEDC sent RFPs to a group of 29 developers that answered the agency’s request for qualifications in 2009. NYCEDC asked the group to form teams, create a development proposal and submit it by Aug. 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 and no infrastructure developer has been 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.