By Bill Parry
The Long Island Partnership has launched a far-reaching, cross-sector business and organization survey as a key part of the comprehensive plan it is developing to strengthen the neighborhood’s economic, social and physical infrastructure while preparing for a mixed-use future. Until Jan. 16, LIC-based businesses and organizations can access the survey online or in print and contribute to important recommendations that will inform and shape LIC’s future and growth.
More than 6,000 businesses will receive the survey by direct mail, followed by door-to-door outreach to ensure a representative response rate. Despite small-scale, localized studies in parts of LIC dating back to the 1980s, there had been no major study encompassing the full geographic area to examine the community across all sectors.
“For generations, LIC has been a thriving hub of production, key distribution point and an increasingly important business district critical to New York City’s economy,” LIC Partnership President Elizabeth Lusskin said. “As we look to the future, our business survey will help gather essential data across all sectors—including traditional business sectors, tech businesses, cultural organizations and working artists—needed to ensure local stakeholders will continue to benefit from LIC’s unique assets both in the near and long term.”
A major rezoning in 2001 created a commercial and mixed-use district in the LIC core and since then the neighborhood has seen a significant increase in office space, an influx of residential buildings and hotels.
“Given Long Island City’s growing business community, LIC Partnership’s first-ever business survey will gather valuable information from business owners and other stakeholders to allow for a more educated and focused advocacy effort,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria) said. “The future of LIC continues to be strong, thanks to creative ideas such as LIC Partnership’s business survey.”
In an effort to encourage participation, all survey respondents will be eligible to win either a pair of JetBlue tickets or a three-month membership to the LIC YMCA.
“As the Long Island City community continues to grow, it is important for all the stakeholders to come together and discuss how we can continue to develop in a responsible manner,” State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood) said. “We must find a way to balance the infrastructure needs for both our residents and businesses. LIC Partnership’s business survey is a step in the right direction that seeks to come up with a comprehensive plan that accomplishes just that.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
