City’s Long Island City Strategy Calls for $180M Infrastructure Investment
One of the largest city expenditures will be $60 million from the School Construction Authority that is earmarked for the construction of a new school in the Court Square area.
NEW YORK CITY—City officials report that as part of its strategy to improve neighborhoods and foster growth, the city will invest $180 million in infrastructure improvements in the Long Island City section of Queens.
The 46-page Long Island City Investment Strategy released earlier this week by the de Blasio administration, states the city’s investment focuses on schools, transportation and open space. In fact, one of the largest city expenditures will be $60 million from the School Construction Authority that is earmarked for the construction of a new school in the Court Square area.
“The Long Island City Investment Strategy brings improvements in community infrastructure to a neighborhood that has experienced rapid growth,” says Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We are investing $180 million in Long Island City to address the needs of today while preparing for a more sustainable future.”
Other notable city investments targeted for Long Island City, according to the report include:
• An additional $10 million from the city’s Department of Transportation to supplement existing plans and funding for the Hunter’s Point street reconstruction project;
• $15 million in funding from NYC Parks for targeted open space improvements at Queensbridge Baby Park, Old Hickory Playground, Bridge and Tunnel Park and Court Square.
In addition, last week, the Long Island City Ramps project was also approved by the Land Use Committee of the City Council. The project, if finalized, will bring new public space under the Queensborough Bridge ramps at Dutch Kills Street, a commitment to fully fund a new UPK-5 grade elementary school, as well as two new high-rise residential buildings with more than 480 units, including 150 permanently affordable apartments.
James Patchett, president and CEO of New York City Economic Development Corp., says, “The Long Island City Investment Strategy, developed in partnership with Council Member (Jimmy) Van Bramer and local leaders, outlines $180 million in funding to strengthen infrastructure, spur the creation of good-paying jobs, and ensure that the neighborhood continues to thrive for decades to come.”
“For Long Island City to continue to be a livable community there must be a massive infusion of infrastructure dollars now,” says Council Member Van Bramer. “The investments being announced today are necessary and welcome, but they are also just the beginning. I will continue to work with the community and the Administration to fight for more and better transportation, schools, parks and all that the great people of Long Island City deserve.”
In terms of job stimuli, the Long Island City Investment Strategy calls for the creation of good jobs that support the Long Island City Central Business District in growth sectors outlined in the de Blasio administration’s New York Works plan, such as life sciences, manufacturing and tech. It also recommends supporting industrial business growth through IDA funding, and the encouragement of new job-intensive commercial and industrial space including studying new zoning tools to stimulate commercial growth.
Other job initiatives include strengthening connections between Long Island City residents and job opportunities through workforce programs and partnerships with local groups and institutions; exploring the relocation of city uses to Long Island City to foster opportunities for new commercial and industrial space and to work with Amtrak and the MTA to create new space for good jobs over and around rail yard facilities.
The report also notes that in terms of planned Long Island City water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, the city is committing $95 million to implement a first phase of sewer upgrades, and to complete the Long Island City amended drainage plan.
The report also calls for the implementation of ongoing water main replacement and reconstruction of clay pipe sewers; the development of green infrastructure to protect Newtown Creek; the reconstruction of bulkheads and the 44th Drive Pier, undertaking resiliency improvements for FDNY Engine Company 260; updating building codes, working towards new flood resilient zoning rules and increasing outreach for BusinessPREP emergency preparedness grants for small businesses.