Jan. 6, 2015 By Christian Murray
A comprehensive study is about to be conducted that will investigate this neighborhood’s recent transformation from an industrial hub to an area filled with luxury apartments, big-name hotels and cultural institutions.
The study, to be conducted by the Long Island City Partnership, will be the foundation for a long-term plan that aims to ensure that the neighborhood still maintains its industrial roots — which still supply jobs — while also making way for residential development, commercial space, the tech sector and cultural institutions.
The Long Island City Partnership recently received a $100,000 grant from the New York City Regional Economic Development Council (NYCREDC) to aid it in its quest to create an area plan—which would be a first for the neighborhood.
“Currently experiencing a period of explosive transformation, much of it thirty years in the making, Long Island City is now ready for its own, comprehensive look, as a matter of citywide urgency and as a regional priority,” said LIC Partnership President Elizabeth Lusskin in a statement.
“Funding for this study will allow us to work to set a vision and priorities consonant with the neighborhood’s goals,” Luskin added.
The LIC Partnership applied for the grant with the support from elected officials and community leaders.
“I am pleased our advocacy led to a State grant which recognizes the great work the LIC Partnership is doing, and the amazing growth taking place in our community,” said State Sen. Mike Gianaris in a statement. “I look forward to working with everyone who loves Long Island City to ensure our community continues to grow in a responsible way.”
