Long Island City’s OneLIC Plan: A Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Resilient Community Transformation

One neighborhood’s transformation can shape the lives of its residents significantly, and in Long Island City (LIC), the proposed OneLIC neighborhood plan aims to address the needs of both existing inhabitants and newcomers while accommodating new developments. A recent information session provided insights into how city planners are using community feedback to shape the plan.

During the meeting, city officials highlighted five key goals the OneLIC plan seeks to achieve: protecting existing housing while expanding affordable options, creating a resilient waterfront, meeting infrastructure needs, supporting economic diversity, and improving access to neighborhood amenities. Community stakeholders contributed markedly, with over 4,200 comments collected from various public meetings and surveys throughout the planning process (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=549).

Residents expressed a strong desire for more permanently affordable housing options to accommodate families and prevent displacement, especially for low-income households and seniors. The plan proposes updating zoning regulations to require a significant percentage of new housing units to be affordable and to include options for different income levels (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=946). This will mark the first time such requirements will be enforced in LIC, with suggestions to strengthen support systems for current tenants and homeowners to enhance stability (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=1182).

Infrastructure and community resources are also priorities for the plan. Residents requested improvements to public libraries and schools, including the establishment of a new school through zoning exemptions. To mitigate flooding and other climate impacts, the plan proposes stormwater management strategies and infrastructure enhancements (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=1101).

Moreover, the plan anticipates significant investments to improve parks and open spaces, creating more recreational areas and managing urban heat. Feedback from locals indicated a need for shared recreational spaces and better-maintained parks, particularly away from the waterfront (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=1182).

Economically, the plan aims to bolster local businesses and promote job access for area residents. Meeting participants highlighted the need for partnerships with organized labor and support for small business initiatives, particularly in light of the area’s rich creative and industrial backdrop (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=1338).

As the city prepares to advance the OneLIC plan, officials emphasized the importance of continued community involvement in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), highlighting that the draft strategies remain open to further revision based on ongoing feedback from residents (Source: https://youtu.be/Efmwv6Scf7A&t=162). By actively engaging with the community throughout this process, city planners hope to create a neighborhood blueprint that meets the needs of all Long Island City residents.