Rail Line Development: A Blessing or Curse for Transit? The upcoming railway project may surge property prices but potentially undermine local appeal
The Interborough Express (IBX), a new light rail line planned to connect Brooklyn and Queens, is set to significantly impact the neighborhoods along its route. This project, expected to be completed by 2029, promises improved transit accessibility, economic growth, and better connectivity for historically underserved communities. However, concerns about affordability and potential gentrification are also on the rise.
The IBX will connect approximately 20 neighborhoods that currently suffer from poor transit access, including Sunset Park, East New York, Bushwick, Ridgewood, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights. Real estate experts anticipate a surge in property values and interest from developers as commute times shorten, making these areas more attractive to buyers and investors.
While the IBX could bring economic opportunities, community leaders and some experts warn that it may also alter neighborhood character and escalate housing costs, raising concerns about displacement and affordability for current residents. The project aims to serve nearly 900,000 residents and drastically improve commuting between Brooklyn and Queens, benefiting low-car households.
Funding and planning are moving forward rapidly, with $2.75 billion allocated to the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan, demonstrating strong governmental commitment to the project and its potential transformative effect on the outer boroughs. The IBX line will connect with 17 different subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road, making it a crucial addition to the city's transportation infrastructure.
Areas around Roosevelt Avenue, Metropolitan Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, and Brooklyn Army Terminal are expected to see the biggest initial gains from the IBX. However, some residents in neighborhoods like Glendale, Maspeth, and Middle Village are concerned about potential disruptions, such as noise and crowds, during the construction phase.
Todd Drowlette, managing director of TITAN Commercial Realty Group, predicts that the IBX will drive affordable housing in both Brooklyn and Queens. Affordable housing developers are likely pre-planning developments near IBX stations, taking advantage of the expected surge in demand for housing. Drowlette will be starring in an upcoming show on A&E in October called "The Real Estate Commission."
The IBX line will be about 14 miles long and will utilize an existing freight rail line. The train route is shaped like a reversed letter "C" and runs between southern and eastern Brooklyn and Central Queens. The project, a $5.5 billion undertaking, entered its design phase on July 30.
The U.S. Federal Housing Department's announcement to expand the country's affordable housing supply could potentially make Brooklyn and Queens a home to new, large-scale affordable housing projects. However, concerns about upzoning and the potential construction of high-density buildings in one-family or two-family zones have been raised by Queens City Council Member Robert Holden.
The Interborough Express (IBX) has major support from Governor Kathy Hochul. Overall, while the IBX light rail line is expected to improve accessibility and stimulate economic development along the corridor, there is a consequential risk of rising housing prices and gentrification that may challenge affordability in these neighborhoods if protective policies are not simultaneously implemented.
- Real estate experts, such as Todd Drowlette from TITAN Commercial Realty Group, predict that the IBX will drive an increase in property values and interest from developers, especially near IBX stations, due to the shortened commute times and improved transit access.
- While the IBX line could bring opportunities in sports like increased spectator attendance at events in Brooklyn and Queens, it may also lead to concerns about displacement and affordability for current residents due to potential gentrification and rising housing costs.
