December 20, 2025 SOUTH JAMAICA, QUEENS — The Baisley Pond Park Residences are officially open, proving that the solution to New York’s housing crisis might just be hiding in plain sight—inside the shells of our underused buildings.

The "Hilton Hack": How 318 Families Just Won the Housing Lottery

For years, the JFK Hilton was a pitstop for world travelers. Today, thanks to a bold $25 billion state initiative, it is home to 318 brand-new, cost-effective apartments.

Led by Governor Kathy Hochul, this project is the crown jewel of the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA). It’s not just a renovation; it’s a complete reimagining of what "affordable" looks like.

Who qualifies? The units are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Even more impactful, the development includes 191 supportive apartments dedicated to low-income and formerly homeless individuals, providing them with the stability they need to rebuild.

The "Green" Revolution in South Jamaica

This isn't your grandfather’s housing project. The developers, Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership, have outfitted the building with future-proof tech that rivals Manhattan’s newest glass towers:

• All-Electric Systems: Say goodbye to old-school boilers.

• Solar Power: Massive rooftop arrays to slash the building’s carbon footprint.

• Energy Star Living: Every appliance is designed for maximum efficiency and minimum utility costs for tenants.

More Than Just Four Walls: The Amenities

As someone who has toured hundreds of "affordable" developments, the Baisley Pond Park Residences stand out for their focus on dignity and art. Residents aren't just getting a roof; they're getting a community.

The building features:

• An indoor garden for year-round tranquility.

• High-tech computer lounges for students and remote workers.

• "Queens Rising": A breathtaking new mural by artist Danielle Mastrion that celebrates the borough’s rich history.

"Baisley Pond Park Residences shows what’s possible when New York moves with creativity and purpose," Governor Hochul stated, highlighting the project as a blueprint for the rest of the state.

The Financial Engine: How They Pulled It Off

Converting a hotel isn't cheap, but it's faster than building from scratch. The project saw a massive $47.7 million investment through the Hotel and Commercial Conversion Program.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. praised the ingenuity, noting that this is exactly the kind of "outside-the-box" thinking required to house our most vulnerable neighbors.

The Verdict: A Blueprint for the Future?

With Governor Hochul pushing for $1.5 billion in new state funding and designating New York City as a "Pro-Housing Community," the JFK Hilton conversion is likely just the beginning.

If we can turn a Hilton into a home, what’s next? Empty office towers? Underused malls? The precedent has been set, and for 318 families in Queens, the future finally looks bright.

What do you think? Should more NYC hotels be converted into permanent housing? Sound off in the comments below!