Long Island City Undergoes Significant Rezoning Initiative

Introduction to the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan

Queens’ Long Island City is set to transform from a primarily industrial area into a vibrant residential community through a new rezoning initiative. Launched in October 2023, the Long Island City Neighborhood Plan, commonly referred to as OneLIC, covers 54 blocks and aims to develop residential spaces along the neighborhood’s waterfront.

Key Objectives and Benefits

According to the Department of City Planning (DCP), the OneLIC plan is projected to create:

• Approximately 14,700 new housing units
• At least 4,000 income-restricted affordable homes
• 14,400 new jobs
• Over 3 million square feet of commercial real estate

Community Engagement and Process

City Council member Julie Won announced the completion of the project’s application following an extensive 18-month community engagement process with the DCP. The focus of this initiative is to enhance the neighborhood’s resilience and sustainability while providing affordable housing options and improving community infrastructure.

“I will fight to ensure the final OneLIC neighborhood plan delivers resiliency, sustainability and longevity, through commitments on deeply affordable housing, pathways to affordable home ownership, thousands of additional school seats, a connected waterfront, new green spaces and more,” said Julie Won.

Specific Requirements and Infrastructure Improvements

In line with Won’s vision for the project, several specific commitments have been set, including:

• Affordable housing units catering to varying income levels
• A publicly accessible waterfront esplanade stretching from Queensbridge Park to Gantry State Park, featuring at least 40 feet of green space
• Investment in sewage and plumbing infrastructure enhancements
• Development of new schools in the area
• Allocations for maintenance and upgrades at the Queensbridge Houses

Rezoning Areas and Development Potential

The proposed rezoning encompasses several city-owned sites, including key locations along Vernon Boulevard and 45th Avenue, facilitating the construction of high-rise apartments and condominiums. As noted by Gothamist, this plan aims to reshape significant portions of the waterfront and nearby residential areas.

“With its central location, great transit access and diverse economic base, Long Island City is exactly the kind of place where we should add new homes,” stated Dan Garodnick, DCP Director.

Garodnick further emphasized that the plan will help update outdated zoning regulations, thereby providing more housing opportunities while also promoting a resilient waterfront environment.

Next Steps in the Review Process

With the certification of the project, OneLIC is now entering the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, which will include public hearings conducted by local community boards, the City Planning Commission, and the New York City Council. The final approval for this plan is anticipated to occur in the fall of this year.

Supporting Larger Housing Initiatives

This rezoning initiative aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ broader strategy to stimulate housing development throughout New York City under the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative. Similar projects, such as the development proposed for Coney Island that aims to add 1,500 new homes and improve the Riegelmann Boardwalk and local infrastructure, showcase the city’s commitment to enhancing urban livability.

For more information, reach out to Isabelle Durso at id****@****************er.com.