Latest news with #OneLIC
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
OneLIC's comprehensive rezoning plan divides Queens community
Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough Some say new Long Island City development proposal doesn't go far enough When Daniel Taylor was a kid, he spent countless hours at a Queensbridge, Queens playground that no longer exists. "We literally almost lived in this park. I learned how to ride a bike, skate, everything," he said. Taylor likes what he hears about a development plan called OneLIC, which pledges to bring parks and better infrastructure to Long Island City. "This recent rezoning, I notice they are speaking about this space," he said. What OneLIC's redevelopment entails Council Member Julie Won says she's working with the Department of City Planning to deliver expanded waterfront access as part of OneLIC. In addition, she aims to convert DOT storage areas beneath the Queensboro Bridge into community spaces. "This is not the old warehouse industrial area of Long Island City like it used to be," she said. In rezoning for new construction, the DCP promises schools, sewers, and more than 4,000 units of affordable housing. Hundreds attended a joint Community Board 1 and 2 hearing at LaGuardia Community College on Wednesday, where supporters expressed eagerness for new housing as part of a more vibrant and livable Long Island City. "The OneLIC rezoning presents a rare opportunity for our community to receive much-needed investments in public space and arts and culture," MoMa PS1 director Connie Butler said. Some question the comprehensive plan But others insist OneLIC isn't what it seems. "I think, when it comes to who wins with this plan, only the developers win," Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston said. Members of the Western Queens Community Land Trust say the touted neighborhood improvements are not guaranteed. "A lot of us are starting to feel like those are just talking points and empty promises," Jenny Dubnau said. "This doesn't really seem to be a true comprehensive plan." They fear the proposal will greenlight more luxury towers with rent caps falling short of true affordability. "Market-rate housing makes it harder for everybody to live here, even if they do throw a few affordability crumbs," Memo Salazar said. Won says negotiations with DCP will continue. She expects to secure meaningful benefits for the community. Otherwise, she says, she will withhold her stamp of approval. "Until those needs are met, this project cannot move forward," she said. The public review process is expected to continue until the fall before a City Council vote. You can email Elle with Queens story ideas by CLICKING HERE.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Queens neighborhoods undergo rezoning for residential and commercial growth
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – Building affordable housing is a top priority in the city, but it's a tough process. Five neighborhoods are undergoing a new approach to rezoning. Neighbors are making sure they are being heard. More Local News Long Island City is moving ahead with public review and comment on proposals for more residential, commercial, and open space. Laura Rothrock is the executive director of the Long Island City Partnership. 'People think of LIC and its large towers, but there are areas that need investment,' she said. For 18 months, the community has submitted ideas and proposals for a 54-block area that focuses mainly along Vernon Boulevard around the Queensborough Bridge. A new life for the Department of Education building is on the list. It sits next to an empty lot and across from other areas that could be developed for housing. Lashawn 'Suga Ray' Marston has been speaking up. 'We have to change what affordable means. 4,000 units out of 14,000. But affordable for who?' Marston asked. He has held demonstrations at the school site. More Local News Zoning regulations will have to be changed first in LIC. The neighborhood plans would also create new open space, infrastructure, and waterfront access in Long Island City. Areas are separated or inaccessible. One plan would connect Gantry State Park and Queensbridge Park. Dan Garodnick is the Director of the Department of City Planning, which has approved the proposals. As the process moves ahead, public comment can be submitted to the city council. 'Add more opportunity for housing and jobs. And for the first time, this would require affordable housing here,' Garodnick said. The promise in Long Island City is more than 4,000 permanent affordable housing units among 14,000 units. Director Garodnick says it's about finding a balance. 'We are creating a requirement for private interest to provide affordable housing. There's a limit beyond which a development is not viable. We want to make sure we are getting all of it,' Garodnick said. Neighbors and the local community boards are involved. Anatole Ashraf is Chairperson of Queens Community Board 2. He wants to see accountability. More Local News 'We want to make sure there are concrete plans on the roadmap that we can point to and say 'this didn't happen by this time,'' Ashraf said. The New York City Council will vote after the public process wraps up in the fall. Julie Won represents LIC on the council. 'After 18 months of extensive public engagement, which shaped our community priorities, I am energized to enter certification and negotiations for OneLIC. 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 Council Member Julie Won. The public can testify and comment on the One LIC Neighborhood Plan at the joint public hearing with Queens Community Boards one and two at LaGuardia Community College Mainstage Theater on May 21st. Mayor Eric Adams, the Department of City Planning, and his administration are also working on neighborhood proposals for Jamaica, Queens, Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, Midtown South, and the Bronx from Hunts Point to Co-Op City. The new Metro-North stations are set to open in 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
