A New Rail, A New Era: Albert Dweck Sees Promise in Brooklyn-Queens Connection

Transforming Transit, Empowering Communities

The long-anticipated Interborough Express is no longer just a proposal—it’s a funded reality, and Albert Dweck of Duke Properties believes it could usher in one of the most inclusive housing growth opportunities in New York’s modern history.

With $2.75 billion already approved and a light rail expected to connect Jackson Heights to Bay Ridge in under 40 minutes, Dweck sees more than a transit upgrade—he sees a community catalyst.

“This project has the potential to rebalance the city,” said Dweck. “It connects underserved neighborhoods with opportunity—and developers must act responsibly to ensure those opportunities include deeply affordable, community-sensitive housing.”

Building for the Future—Not Just the Market

A new analysis by the New York Building Congress forecasts over 70,000 new homes could rise within a half-mile radius of the 19 proposed stops—pending zoning adjustments and city cooperation. But to Dweck, it’s not just about quantity.

“The real challenge isn’t building units—it’s building futures,” he said. “At Duke Properties, we’re already assessing how our projects can support long-term residents, provide sustainable design, and integrate seamlessly with local communities.”

New Rail: A Smarter, Fairer Growth Model

Unlike past development waves centered around Manhattan, this corridor—passing through diverse and often overlooked neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens—offers a clean slate. Dweck emphasizes this is a chance to rewrite the playbook.

“The Interborough Express is not about gentrifying; it’s about connecting,” he said. “It’s our job as developers to ensure families who already live here are part of the growth—not displaced by it.”

To that end, Duke Properties supports inclusive rezonings that prioritize mixed-income housing, green space access, and small business support near the rail stops.

A Rail Line with Ripple Effects

By converting a 19th-century freight corridor into a 21st-century mobility lifeline, the Interborough Express promises not just shorter commutes but stronger local economies and smarter land use.

Albert Dweck concludes: “This is the type of bold investment that inspires smart development. Duke Properties is ready to work hand-in-hand with city leaders and community stakeholders to turn this line into a lifeline—for housing, for equity, and for progress.”