Jamaica, Queens – On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) held an important Local Queens event at the Greater Nexus venue in Jamaica. The gathering, which attracted a diverse mix of real estate professionals, developers, city planners, and urban stakeholders, focused on the pressing topic of redevelopment trends in the borough. The event provided a platform for attendees to engage in discussions on the latest developments shaping the future of urban spaces in Queens and beyond.
This event, which is part of a series of regional gatherings organized by ICSC, served as an opportunity for industry leaders to share their knowledge and experiences. A distinguished panel of New York City real estate experts, including developers, city officials, and urban planners, shared their insights on the ongoing transformation of urban spaces in Queens. Topics ranged from the challenges posed by gentrification to the potential of adaptive reuse and sustainable design in redevelopment projects.
One of the primary themes that emerged from the discussion was the growing importance of sustainable and community-focused development. With rapid urbanization and increasing population density, the need for greener spaces and environmentally-conscious development is more urgent than ever. Panelists discussed innovative approaches to incorporating sustainability into redevelopment efforts, from green building technologies to the importance of incorporating public spaces that serve the broader community.
Real estate developers at the event highlighted the increasing demand for mixed-use properties in urban areas. As more people move to cities like Queens, there is a heightened need for spaces that combine residential, retail, and office spaces in a single location. Mixed-use developments are seen as a way to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that offer convenience and reduce the need for long commutes.
However, panelists were quick to note the challenges of navigating the complexities of urban redevelopment. Rising construction costs, zoning restrictions, and the potential displacement of existing residents were cited as significant barriers to successful redevelopment projects. While there is a desire to revitalize areas like Jamaica, the challenges of maintaining affordable housing and preventing gentrification remain key concerns for both developers and community leaders.
The event also focused on the crucial role of community engagement in shaping the future of urban redevelopment. Developers and planners emphasized the importance of working closely with local residents to ensure that projects meet the needs of the community while fostering a sense of belonging and ownership. Engaging with local stakeholders early in the planning process is seen as essential for ensuring the long-term success of redevelopment projects, as it allows for a more inclusive approach that considers the needs of diverse populations.
Networking opportunities at the event allowed real estate professionals to connect and discuss potential collaborations. Many attendees expressed interest in leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to address the challenges faced in urban redevelopment. These collaborations are seen as a way to pool resources, expertise, and influence to overcome obstacles such as funding gaps, regulatory hurdles, and community resistance to change.
Beyond the discussions, the event underscored the broader context of urban revitalization in Queens, a borough that has seen significant growth and transformation in recent years. Queens is home to a diverse population, and its real estate market has experienced both opportunities and challenges in the face of rapid development. As one of New York City’s most dynamic boroughs, the future of redevelopment in Queens is closely tied to the evolving needs of its residents, businesses, and government agencies.
The event’s focus on urban redevelopment trends also ties into broader national conversations on the future of cities. As cities across the U.S. grapple with issues like affordable housing, climate change, and transportation infrastructure, the discussions in Queens reflect a growing recognition of the need for more sustainable and equitable development practices. Queens’ redevelopment efforts are seen as an important microcosm of the larger trends shaping urban spaces across the country.
The ICSC Local Queens event concluded with a call to action for the real estate industry to take a more proactive role in shaping the cities of the future. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing urban redevelopment in Queens. The event highlighted the critical need for collaboration, innovation, and community engagement in order to create spaces that are both livable and sustainable for future generations.