Strengthening Infrastructure and Community Development in Long Island City

In a significant development for western Queens, the OneLIC plan is poised to bring transformative changes to the Long Island City neighborhood. After two years of extensive community engagement and negotiations, local leaders have secured nearly billion in binding commitments from the city. This proposal represents the largest investment in any neighborhood rezoning effort in New York City’s history, marking a crucial step in addressing longstanding issues of neglect and underinvestment.

The OneLIC neighborhood plan emerged as a collaborative response to the specific needs and desires of local residents. Following 18 months of community meetings, surveys, and dialogues, Council Member Julie Won, alongside the Department of City Planning, has crafted a vision that seeks to tackle challenges faced by the community on a daily basis. These issues include the struggle for affordable housing, the urgent need for additional school seats, and inadequate infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall.

Working families in the area face extreme difficulties in finding affordable apartments, while overcrowded schools continue to diminish educational opportunities for children. Additionally, local residents have expressed concerns about flooding at subway stations and a fragmented waterfront that limits access for many, particularly those from the Queensbridge Houses. The OneLIC plan aims to unify Long Island City, creating an inclusive environment that fosters community bonds.

Central to the OneLIC initiative is the commitment to construct approximately 15,000 new homes, including 4,350 permanently affordable units that cater specifically to family-sized living. The proposal also envisions the creation of a contiguous waterfront park connecting Queensbridge Park to Gantry State Park, alongside a substantial investment of 6 million dedicated to upgrading facilities at the Queensbridge Houses.

Moreover, the plan allocates 0 million to fund the development of new schools, thereby increasing school capacity by 1,300 seats. Crucial improvements to the community’s infrastructure, including sewage, plumbing, and flood prevention systems, are also integral components of the proposal.

This blueprint for change demonstrates a refreshing commitment to genuine community engagement. Local leaders have prioritized extensive outreach, gathering more than 2,300 survey responses and 5,700 written comments from residents, ensuring that the plan reflects the voices of those it will impact.

The upcoming City Council vote on the OneLIC plan represents a pivotal moment for the community. With promises of nearly billion in investment and a focus on addressing the real needs of families, the plan offers a clear path toward a stronger, more equitable Long Island City. As stakeholders await the Council’s decision, the collective aspiration for meaningful progress remains a testament to the power of community-driven planning.