PennPlanning Workshop 2015 - Long Islang City by XUE JIN

Long Island City The cornerstone of Queens

University of Pennsylvania | School of Design | Department of City and Regional Planning | CPLN 600 - Workshop | Spring 2015

PRODUCED BY TEAM: Han Bao Keisan Gittens Xue Jin Mengyun Li Evan Liew Lindsey Shields Stephen Skilton

INSTRUCTORS: Ben Bryant Adam Tecza

WORKSHOP COORDINATOR: John Landis

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Local Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LIC Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001: Rezoning LIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EXISTING CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . 17

Strengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deficiencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opportunities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

VISION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Vision Plan Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation Master Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preserved Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Livable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Integrated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phasing & Cost Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48 49 50 51 52

56 57 58 60 68 72 87 88

VISION PLAN

Demographics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Land Use and Zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Public Institutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Cultural Institutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

SDOC ANALYSIS & GOALS. . . . . . 47

SDOC & GOALS

10 12 13 14

EXISTING CONDITIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. . . . . . . . . 7

INTRODUCTION

APPENDIX - WORKS CITED . . . . . . 90

APPENDIX

LONG ISLAND CITY

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Context Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Figure 2.2: Long Island City Aerial View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Figure 2.3: Sunnyside Yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Figure 2.4: 50 Pointz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Figure 2.5: Murano, A Condo in Hunters Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Figure 2.6: Citibank Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Figure 2.7: Hunter's Point South Rendering View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Figure 2.8: Proposed Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Figure 3.1: Population Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Figure 3.2: Changing Population Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Figure 3.3: Changing Ethnic Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Figure 3.4: Growing Inome Gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Figure 3.5: Before | Waterfront Before 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Figure 3.6: After | Waterfront After 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Figure 3.7: Current Zoning Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Figure 3.8: Before | Municipal Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 3.10: Before | Bottling Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 3.9: After | Commercial Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 3.11: After | Luxury Condominiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 3.12: Current Land Use Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Figure 3.13: Long Island Railroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Figure 3.14: Interstates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Figure 3.15: Subway Stops and Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Figure 3.16: Standard Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Figure 3.17: Protected Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Figure 3.18: Sidewalks and Bike Lanes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Figure 3.19: Mode Share (2013). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Figure 3.20: Vehicle Ownership (2013) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Figure 3.21: Units (2013) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Figure 3.22: Type of Housing Occupation (2013) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Figure 3.23: Current Housing Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Figure 3.24: Newcomers High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Figure 3.25: Health Care Services and Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Figure 3.26: CBD Park Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Figure 3.27: Open Space and 10 Minute Walk Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Figure 3.28: Top 5 Industries (2000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Figure 3.29: Top 5 Industries (2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

LONG ISLAND CITY

Figure 3.30: Change in Jobs (2000-2012). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Figure 3.31: Luxury Condominium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Figure 3.32: Economic Nodes and Districts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Figure 3.33: MoMa PS1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Figure 3.34: Arts Studios and Other Key Institutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Figure 4.1: Office Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Figure 4.2: Industrial Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Figure 4.3: Waterfront View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Figure 4.4: Physical Boundaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Figure 4.5: Current "Commercial Corridor". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Figure 4.6: Brownstones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Figure 4.7: Pier Six. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Figure 4.8: Queensboro Bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Figure 4.9: Factory-to-Arts Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Figure 4.10: Parking Lot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Figure 4.11: Con Edison Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Figure 4.12: Sunnyside Yards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Figure 4.13: Commercial Corridor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Figure 4.14: Gantry Plaza State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Figure 4.15: Playground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Figure 4.16: Waterfront Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Figure 4.17-19: Current Industrial Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Figure 4.20: Queensbridge Houses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 4.21: High-Rise, Luxury Apartments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 4.22: Low-Rise Townhouses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 4.23: Green Infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 4.24: Flood Control Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 4.25: Community Gathering in Arts Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Figure 5.1: Master Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Figure 5.2: Luxury Housing Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Figure 5.3: Low-Rise Townhomes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Figure 5.4: CBD District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Figure 5.5: Preserved Areas in the Neighborhood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Figure 5.6: Locator - Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Figure 5.7: Current Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Figure 5.8: New Inclusive Zoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Figure 5.9: New Residential Zoning Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LIST OF FIGURES

Current 44th Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 44th Drive at Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Section of 44th Drive - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Section of 44th Drive - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Section of Vernon Avenue & 10th Street - Before. . . . . . . . . . .79 Section of Vernon Avenue & 10th Street - After. . . . . . . . . . . .79 Current Vernon Boulevard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Streetscape of 10th Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Streetscape Type for Vernon Boulevard & 10th Street - Before. . 80 Facade Improvement for Vernon Blvd & 10th Street - After . . . . 80 Streetscape Type for 44th Drive - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Facade Improvement for 44th Drive - After . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Locator - Nodes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Current Under-Bridge Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Under-Bridge Development Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 10th Street Arch - Before . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 10th Street Arch - After the New Crossing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Skate Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Lighting Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Underbridge Community Playground - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Underbridge Community Playground - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Retail Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Artist Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

SDOC & GOALS

Figure 5.47: Figure 5.48: Figure 5.49: Figure 5.50: Figure 5.51: Figure 5.52: Figure 5.53: Figure 5.54: Figure 5.55: Figure 5.56: Figure 5.57: Figure 5.58: Figure 5.60: Figure 5.59: Figure 5.61: Figure 5.62: Figure 5.63: Figure 5.64: Figure 5.65: Figure 5.66: Figure 5.67: Figure 5.68: Figure 5.69:

EXISTING CONDITIONS VISION PLAN

Waterfront Development - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Waterfront Development - After . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Isometric View of Waterfront Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Section of Waterfront Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Renovation Plan for 3 Phases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Sample Unit for One Phase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Renovation Phase 1 Plan - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Renovation Phase 1 Plan - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Bioswales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Manmade Wetland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Green Roof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 New Residential Zoning Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Locator - Industrial Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Demonstration of M1-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Demonstration of M1-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Before Rezonging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 After Rezonging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Before - Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 After - Joint-Live Work Quarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Aerial View of the Industrial Area - Before Rezoning. . . . . . . . .70 Aerial View of the Industrial Area - After Rezoning. . . . . . . . . .70 Relocation to Industrial Business Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Locator - Nodes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 CBD Park - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 CBD Park - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 44th & Vernon - Before . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 44th Drive & Vernon - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Street View - Before . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Street View - After . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Vernon Blvd & Jackson Ave Node - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Vernon Blvd & Jackson Ave Node - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Locator - Corridors & Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Current Jackson Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Section of Jackson Avenue - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Section of Jackson Avenue - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Street View of Jackson Avenue - Before. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Street VIew of Jackson Avenue - After. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.10: Figure 5.11: Figure 5.12: Figure 5.13: Figure 5.14: Figure 5.15: Figure 5.16: Figure 5.17: Figure 5.18: Figure 5.20: Figure 5.19: Figure 5.21: Figure 5.24: Figure 5.22: Figure 5.23: Figure 5.25: Figure 5.26: Figure 5.27: Figure 5.28: Figure 5.29: Figure 5.30: Figure 5.31: Figure 5.32: Figure 5.33: Figure 5.34: Figure 5.35: Figure 5.37: Figure 5.36: Figure 5.38: Figure 5.39: Figure 5.40: Figure 5.41: Figure 5.42: Figure 5.43: Figure 5.44: Figure 5.45: Figure 5.46:

APPENDIX

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Long Island City: A Neighborhood in Transition

Long Island City (LIC) is the Western most neighborhood in Queens County, New York. The neighborhood during the 20th century served as one of New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main industrial hubs with most of the residential development being used as worker housing. During the late 20th century the industrial sector in the neighborhood began to decline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; much of this can be attributed to the nationwide economic trends which began to see a shift towards the service industry. The transformation of Long Island City continued in the 21st century with the 2001 rezoning of the area creating new development pressure for developments such as luxury housing and commercial businesses. Much of this new development was concentrated along the waterfront and the central area of the neighborhood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in conjunction to this was the continued decline of the industrial sector in the neighborhood. Other changes include an increase in the density of development, a boom in its population and an increase in the diversity and income level of its demographic composition. Long Island City even after these rapid changes over the past decade is still a neighborhood in transition. The existing strengths and opportunities present in the neighborhood such as its close proximity to Manhattan, variety of transit and housing options, the waterfront and strong arts culture indicates that this neighborhood will see continual development pressure in the future. With that said there are still several deficiencies and threats present such as the isolation of neighborhoods, the presence of social and physical barriers, the vulnerability of affordable housing and industrial jobs. In order to both maximize these strengths and opportunities while resolving and managing the deficiencies and threats several goals and strategies were proposed - the vision being for it to become a Livable, Integrated and Connected neighborhood. Long Island City under this vision will feature a variety of housing options that are accessible to all income groups and backgrounds, and a physical build that protects its residents from potential environmental threats. The industrial base of the neighborhood will also be preserved and redefined in a manner which allows it to thrive with the new residential and commercial developments in the neighborhood. New commercial, retail and recreational nodes will also be established in the neighborhood and build upon the existing CBD and Gantry State Park to help provide activity centers in which residents from different parts of the neighborhood would converge and interact. Corridors will help connect these different nodes to one another and to the residents.

LONG ISLAND CITY

INTRODUCTION LOCAL CONTEXT HISTORY LIC PROFILE 2001: RE-ZONING LIC

Figure 2.1: Context Map

0.5

2 Miles

ÂŻ Bronx

New Jersey

Astoria Manhattan

LIC

Sunnyside

Brooklyn

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning 10

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION Local Context

INTRODUCTION

Figure 2.2: Long Island City Aerial View

Long Island City is bounded by the well-established neighborhood of Astoria to the north, and the gentrified neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn to the south. Being the westernmost neighborhood of Queens County and the location of the two largest transportation infrastructure projects leading across the East River to mid-town Manhattan (the Queensboro Bridge and Mid-Town Tunnel), Long Island City is considered a gateway into Manhattan from Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. This opportune location along with other factors in the neighborhood which the book will cover has made Long Island City into a prime location for development. Much of this is evident in the existing conditions of the Long Island City as it is currently undergoing great change, making it a neighborhood in transition.

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

SDOC & GOALS

Source: Ross Elliot, 2006

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Long Island City, locally known as LIC, is a neighborhood in Transition

INTRODUCTION History

Figure 2.3: Sunnyside Yards

Figure 2.4: 50 Pointz

Source: Streeteasy

Source: 5ptz

Source: Greater Astoria Historical Society

1900-1970

1970-2001

2001-Present

Rise of Industry

Industrial Decline

A Neighborhood In Transition

The rise of industry in the U.S. from 1900 to 1970 defined much of Long Island City’s built environment. The major land use in Long Island City during that time was manufacturing. Large manufacturing plants such as the Pepsi Cola bottling plant, railroad shipping infrastructure and warehouses were built along the waterfront in western Long Island City.

Industrial decline in the U.S. started in the 1970s and Long Island City was affected by the loss of businesses. As business moved out of the area, warehouses and factories became vacant. Underutilized land uses such as surface parking lots, scrap yards and municipal garages became the major characteristic of Long Island City’s built environment, especially along Jackson Boulevard.

The 2001 rezoning of Long Island City by the NYC Department of City Planning increased pressure for development in the area. Rapid development quickly ensued. Over 10,000 homes were constructed after the rezoning and another 20,000 are scheduled to be created in the upcoming decades.

Residential development for worker housing was woven into the neighborhood amongst the manufacturing uses during the 1930s. At the same time, construction began on the Queensbridge Houses, which is still the largest public housing project in the nation to this day. These three features: industry, low density housing, and the Queensbridge houses defined the built environment of Long Island City during the early 20th Century.

Figure 2.5: Murano, A Condo in Hunters Point

LONG ISLAND CITY

The decline in industry served as an opportunity for artists and members of the creative class to move to Long Island City. Artists took advantage of the large spaces offered by vacant industrial buildings for studio spaces and inexpensive housing. The founding of many of the art instituions seen in the area today began during this industrial decline. The decline in industry, increasing in vacancy and underutilized land in the area created new opportunities for future development in the 21st century.

Much of the existing active industrial land-uses were preserved and still represent the largest portion of land-use in the neighborhood. As a result, the current character of Long Island City’s built environment has remnants of its industrial past juxtaposed to new development in the rezoned areas. Long Island City, today, is in a state of transition. It has been swept up in the emergence of rapid high-rise commercial and residential development with middle and upper income residents moving in at incredibly high rates.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION LIC Profile

3x Larger Pop.Growth than Manhattan and Brooklyn 5,000 New Housing Units

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Nation’s Largest Public Housing Project

SDOC & GOALS

85% Renters 13 Subway Stations

VISION PLAN

In the face of transition, a few characteristics remain steady. Long Island City’s population is 85% renters. The housing stock has so far supported the demand for rental units. The high percentage of renters could be due to the presence of the nation’s largest public housing project, the Queensbridge Houses, which provide approximately 3,500 rental units to lowincome people. Long Island City residents have long had access to a variety of open spaces, from street triangles to state parks. Further, residents have access to a full list of mass transportation options, from thirteen subway stops serving seven subway lines, to a variety of bus lines with stops throughout Long Island City. Housing tenure, open space access, and public transportation access have remained steady in a transitioning neighborhood. Parts of what was once an industry-based neighborhood is now transforming into a high-rise residential community.

INTRODUCTION

Long Island City is growing. This contributes to change within the neighborhood. The rate of population growth over the past two decades is more than three times that of neighboring Manhattan and Brooklyn. In order to accommodate population growth, several luxury high-rise condominiums have been constructed along the waterfront, south of the Queensboro Bridge. Five-thousand additional housing units are planned in the next ten years. Further, Mayor DeBlasio’s housing plan calls for infrastructure improvements in Long Island City in order to support residential development. Beyond population growth and housing development, Long Island City is experiencing job growth in the Finance and Insurance sector, which provide well-paying jobs in the neighborhood. It is evident that Long Island City is transitioning from a low-density, industrial neighborhood, to an increasingly dense and serviceoriented neighborhood.

500 Studio Spaces & 13 Cultural Institutions

APPENDIX

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

INTRODUCTION 2001: Re-Zoning LIC

Inviting Change

Figure 2.6: Citibank Tower

In 2001 Long Island City was the subject of a dramatic rezoning that served as a moment of change for the area. Mayor Bloomberg began an initiative that would eventually rezone 40% of the land in New York City including much of Long Island City. The goal of the administration was to rezone underutilized industrial land to create more opportunities for commercial and residential development sparking a flurry of new development activity that massively transformed the character of Long Island City. The LIC rezoning plan included creating new land-use districts within the neighborhood (Figure 2.8). Land along Jackson Avenue was up-zoned to create a new CBD. This allowed for high density commercial mixeduse development along the corridor surrounding the existing commercial area where the CitiTower, a 1.25 million square ft. office, had been developed in 1997.

Figure 2.7: Hunter's Point South Rendering View

Source: NYCEDC

The waterfront along the East River was transformed from industrial to high-density residential towers and waterfront parks. Luxury high-rise residential development was created along Gantry Plaza State Park. Further south along the river in Hunter's Point, the city built two large housing towers affordable to middle-income residents. The center of Long Island City was rezoned to include medium density 4 and 5-story residential and mixed-uses. As a result of the rezoning, large-scale residential and commercial development took place in newly rezoned districts, juxtaposed to the preserved industrial activity of Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past.

Source: NYCEDC

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 2.8: Proposed Districts

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SDOC & GOALS

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VISION PLAN

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

EXISTING CONDITIONS Demographics Land Use and Zoning Transportation Housing Public Institutions Open Space Economics Cultural Institutions Conclusion

DEMOGRAPHICS Population

Figure 3.1: Population Growth

Population Growth Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population has grown at a rate three times faster than that of Manhattan or Brooklyn (Figure 3.1). Between 1990 and 2000, Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population grew by 14% from 26,992 to 30,811 people. The population continued to grow in the next decade by 10%, to a total of 33,990 people in 2010. Manhattan and Brooklyn saw an average rate of growth of 3% and 4%, respectively. Long Island City is transitioning to a much larger population, however certain characteristics have remained steady.

16%

The areas seeing the largest increases in population are along the waterfront and south of the Queensboro Bridge. Census tracts 1, 7, and 19 have all experienced increases in population (Figure 3.2). Census tract 1 is a great example. Having the same boundaries for the past twenty years, the population in the tract has grown from 408 to 4,949 people between 1990 and 2010. While growth is concentrated into the southern portion of Long Island City, density is concentrated in the northern portion.

Areas of high population density are clustered together in Long Island City. The densest areas have historically been north of the Queensboro Bridge, specifically census tracts 25, 39, and 51 (Figure 3.2). The area of the Queensbridge Houses corresponds with the boundary of census tract 25, which explains the high population density for that tract (Figure 3.2). While areas south of the Queensboro Bridge have seen the greatest population growth, they remain the least dense in terms of population. Areas both north and south of the Bridge are experiencing a transformation in ethnic diversity.

LONG ISLAND CITY

14% 12% 10% 8%

4% 2% 0%

% Change from 1990-2000

Demographic Changes

LIC

Manhattan

Age and gender breakdowns have been unchanging demographic indicators in Long Island City. The breakdown of males to females has been at an even 50/50 split over the past two decades. The age cohort of 25 to 34 year olds has remained the most populous age group, while those older than 75 years old and between 15 and 17 years old have remained the least populous age cohorts. Since age and gender indicators are not changing, census tracts can clearly illustrate Long Island City's population growth and the location of the growth.

% Change from 2000-2010 Brooklyn

LIC Manhattan Brooklyn

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.2: Changing Population Map

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NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

DEMOGRAPHICS Ethnic Diversity

Figure 3.3: Changing Ethnic Diversity

While facing large population growth, Long Island City’s population has experienced a shift in prominence of various ethnic groups. Once a majority population, the Black/African-American cohort is on the decline. Between 1990 and 2010, the Black/ African-American population has decreased by 20% each decade (Figure 3.3). That’s a total of 40% population decline. In other words, almost half of the Black population has moved away from Long Island City. Interestingly, the areas that have the greatest population density correspond with the areas that are experiencing the greatest decline in Black/AfricanAmerican population. Contrastingly, a different ethnic group is making Long Island City their home.

80%

Once a minority, the Asian population is quickly rising both north and south of the Queensboro Bridge . So far, the Bridge has acted as a boundary in Long Island City. Looking at rising population rates by census tract, the Asian population is the only changing population that is moving to areas both north and south of the Queensboro Bridge. The Asian population has increased by 75% between 1990 and 2000, from 2,497 to 4,374 people. The population continued to rise by 50% to a total of 6,556 people in 2010. Considering the declining Black/AfricanAmerican population and growing Asian population, Long Island City’s demography is transforming. The population growth and changing demographics is matched with changing wealth.

LONG ISLAND CITY

80% 75% 75% 50%

41%

50% 29% 29%

- 11% -11% White

White

-17% -17% -20% -20% Black Black

% Change 90-00 % Change 00-10

Asian

Hispanic/Latino

Change90-00 00-10 %% Change

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

DEMOGRAPHICS INCOME GAP

INTRODUCTION

Figure 3.4: Growing Inome Gap

$112,750

$120,000 $100,000

$123,056

$85,898

$80,000

$40,000 $20,000 $-

$28,775

$20,830

$11,055 2010 Highest MHHI Highest MHHI

2013

VISION PLAN

2000

The increase in the lowest MHHI has not been as great as the increase in areas with the highest MHHI. With a MHHI of $11,055 in 2000, the lowest MHHI rose to $28,775 by 2010. Unfortunately, due to past trends, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that MHHI decreased in 2013 to $20,830. It should be noted that census tract 25 that is home to the Queensbridge Houses has historically had the lowest MHHI. Rather than all boats rising with the tide, areas of wealth are gaining more wealth, and areas of poverty are remaining impoverished. This is leadingto a growing income gap in a rapidly changing community.

SDOC & GOALS

$60,000

EXISTING CONDITIONS

$140,000

Like much of the United States, Long Island City is seeing an increasing income gap. Analyzed by census tract, the highest median household income (MHHI) has been rising over time (Figure 3.4). The highest MHHI in 2000 was $85,898, which rose to $112,750 in 2010. It is estimated that the MHHI rose to $123,056 in 2013. In comparison, the lowest MHHI has risen, too.

Lowest MHHI Lowest MHHI Source: U.S. Census Bureau

APPENDIX

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

LAND USE Current Zoning

Figure 3.5: Before | Waterfront Before 2001

Figure 3.6: After | Waterfront After 2001

Prior to 2001, Long Island City was zoned entirely for manufac turing with the exception of the Queensbridge Houses. The land uses along the waterfront, Jackson Avenue and Queens Plaza all consisted of low-density industrial uses, surface parking, and other underutilized uses. The 2001 rezoning was an effort to create a new mix of uses in addition to manufacturing in Long Island City. The proposed central business district (CBD) was created along Jackson Avenue. The zoning map of Long Island City shows mixed-use districts along that roadway. The strictly commercial district within the center of the CBD represents the site of the Citi Tower which was built in 1997. The new CBD was meant to surround and grow from this existing development. There are three areas of interest in regards to the residential zoning in Long Island City zoning map. The area directly north of the Queensboro Bridge is the Queensbridge Houses, a high-density public housing site. The residential district along the southern waterfront allows the high-density luxury condominiums that were built shortly after the re-zoning. The residential district in center of the neighborhood follows Vernon Boulevard and the residential mixed-use zoning in this area in particular serves as the retail center for the neighborhood. Parkland zoning along the southern waterfront was a dramatic change as a result of the new zoning. Pictured to the right are arial photgraphs of the waterfront before and after the re-zoning in 2001. The dominant zoning for the area are still active light industrial. Source: Google Maps

LONG ISLAND CITY

Source: Google Maps

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.7: Current Zoning Map

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VISION PLAN

Commercial Mixed Industrial and Residential Residential Park Industrial

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

LAND USE Current Land Use

The current land-use patterns reflect the effects of the rezoning (Figure 3.12). Industrial uses still dominate the landscape, but within the rezoned districts, industrial land is quickly being replaced with commercial and residential development. Underutilized land uses such as the municpal garage pictured have been replaced with new high density commercial uses in the new CBD along Jackson Avenue and Queens Boulevard as seen in the top right images.

Figure 3.8: Before | Municipal Garage

Figure 3.9: After | Commercial Building

Only 4% of the land in Long Island City is vacant. The location of the vacant land lies within areas of high development pressure such as along the waterfront. As a result, much of this land will likely be converted for development in the near future. Low density housing from the industrial period can be found mixed within the center of the neighborhood amongst industrial uses (Figure 3.8). There is increasing development of medium density residential uses in the southern area of the neighborhood.

Source: Curbed

Source: New York TImes Figure 3.10: Before | Bottling Plant

Figure 3.11: After | Luxury Condominiums

The waterfront appears full with new high-density residential towers and publicly accessible waterfront parks. The Pepsi-Cola bottling plant gave way to new high-density luxury housing as development transformed the waterfront from industrial to parkland and residential land uses as seen in the bottom right images (Figure 3.10, Figure 3.11). In addition to the remaining industrial uses, it is important to point out the transportation and utility land uses in the neighborhood. This mainly consists of of Sunnyside Yards to the east and the Con Edison power station along the waterfront. Both are active sites anchored within the neighborhood and most likely will continue to be used in the foreseeable future. 24

LONG ISLAND CITY

Source: New York Times

Source: Curbed

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.12: Current Land Use Map

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VISION PLAN

Transportation Utility Public Facilities & Institutions Open Space & Recreation Parking Facilities Vacant Land

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

TRANSPORTATION Infrastructure

Dutchess Putnam Orange

Figure 3.13: Long Island Railroad

Long Island City is often seen as a transportation gateway into Manhattan. The Long Island Railroad commuter line is located in the middle of Long Island City and extends eastward reaching most of greater Long Island (Figure 3.13). One of its main functions is to provide rail access into Manhattan from Long Island. The Long Island Expressway, or I-495, cuts through the southern region of Long Island City and extends throughout Queens while I-278 connects to the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island (Figure 3.14). The I-495 connects to the Midtown Tunnel (Figure 3.14). The tunnel and Queensboro Bridge are the largest transportation infrastructure projects in the 20th century in Long Island City. These bridges were constructed to provide auto access into Manhattan from Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island. Long Island City features a wide array of transit options from subways, both underground and elevated, to buses. The subway lines are connected to Manhattan, Brooklyn and other parts of Queens (Figure 3.15). The average commute times from Long Island City to these neighboring boroughs range from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the origin and destination. With regard to vehicular infrastructure within Long Island City, the neighborhood mainly consists of local streets. Off-street parking lots are distributed throughout Long Island City.

Westchester

Rockland

Suffolk

Bronx New York

Nassau

Queens Kings Richmond

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

Queens

Figure 3.14: Interstates

Bronx

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LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.15: Subway Stops and Lines

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VISION PLAN

Broadway Line Queens Line Flushing Line

Crosstown Line Greenpoint

Astoria Line

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning, Romalewski

TRANSPORTATION Infrastructure

Figure 3.16: Standard Path

Figure 3.17: Protected Path

With regard to pedestrian infrastructure, the majority of blocks in Long Island City are lined with sidewalks which makes the neighborhood highly walkable. The only area lacking sidewalks is in the southeastern region of the neighborhood (Figure 3.18). The majority of the bike lanes features no buffer from vehicular traffic (Figure 3.16). There are certain bike lanes that are wider that allow bike traffic in both directions and are buffered from vehicular traffic (Figure 3.17). With regard to intersections Long Island City features arrows that delineate the path and direction that cyclists should take when crossing the street. Overall, despite being well connected to surrounding neighborhoods, the bike paths have limited accessibility to many residents in the neighborhood due to its scarcity within Long Island City.

Source: Kazis

LONG ISLAND CITY

Source: NYCyclist

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.18: Sidewalks and Bike Lanes

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NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

TRANSPORTATION Travel Patterns

Figure 3.19: Mode Share (2013)

The large selection of transit options in Long Island City can be illustrated by the modes of transit used for commutes by households in Long Island City. Half of households utilize the subway or elevated rail to commute to work (higher than the citywide proportion), while bus use only consists of approximately 5% of the commutes (lower than the citywide proportion) (Figure 3.19). The high usage of subway and rail can be explained by close proximity to Manhattan, a large job center, the multiple transit options to Manhattan, and the lower cost of mass transit use relative to automobiles, which is approximately $7500-$8000 dollars less expensive annually. The amount of Long Island City residents that drive and carpool is low. Auto use is less than a quarter of all modes used for commutes and is lower than the city-wide proportion. The lack of car usage is also evident in the vehicles per household. The majority of the households in Long Island City do not own a vehicle while around a third only owns one (Figure 3.20). Walking and bicycle use is also low with regard to commutes when compared to New York City. Along with the wide array of transit options available, much of this may be attributed to the lack of bicycle infrastructure and around 70% of the residents in Long Island City working outside of Queens County.

Mode Share

64% SUBWAY

19% Car, Truck, or Van 19% Car, truck, or van 5%5% Bus Bus

64% Subway 64% Subway

Figure 3.20: Vehicle Ownership (2013)

Vehicle ownership

63% NO VEHICLE

63%63% No vehicle No Vehicle 30%30% 1 vehicle 1 Vehicle 6% 2+ vehicles

6% 2+ Vehicle

1%1% Bicycle Bicycle Walk 6%6% Walk

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

LONG ISLAND CITY

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

EXISTING CONDITIONS

SDOC & GOALS

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

31 NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

HOUSING Major Characteristics

2001 Rezoning Half of the housing development in Long Island City prior to 2001 was build during the 1940s. Construction of very few new units occured during the decline of industry and the housing market from the 1970s through the end of the century. The rezoning in 2001 marked a resurgence of housing development in Long Island City. Within the past decade over 6,000 housing units have been constructed in the area and another 20,000 are expected to be completed within the upcoming decade.

Housing Types Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;c housing stock is mostly multi-unit. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the housing stock consists of 20 or more units per building (Figure 3.21). Single and double occupancy homes only comprise 18% of the housing stock (Figure 3.21). Nearly all of the recent and future development consists of multi-unit buildings with 20 or more units per building (Figure 3.21). The ratio of smaller to larger unit households may continue to shrink with nearly all of the recent and future development being multi-unit medium and high density . The majority of multi-unit complexes are concentrated in the newly constructed luxury residences on the waterfront and in the affordable housing Queensbridge complex (Figure 3.23).

Tenureship The low rise townhomes in Long Island City have high rates of ownership. Affordable rental housing for lowincome is concentrated in the Queensdridge Houses, north of the Queensboro Bridge and affrdable middle-

income housing is located in Hunter's Point South along the waterfront (Figure 3.23). Long Island City's housing tenure currently consists of mostly renters at 85 percent versus 15 percent for owner-occupied housholds (Figure 3.22). The cost of renting or owning a house in LIC varies by location.

Housing Costs The average rent for housing is highest along the waterfront and lowest north of the Queensboro Bridge. Home prices, on the other hand, are highest in

Figure 3.22: Type of Housing Occupation (2013)

Figure 3.21: Units (2013)

58%

20 OR MORE UNITS

85%

RENTER-OCCUPIED

18% 3 -9 units

15% Owner-occupied

6% 10-19 units

85% Renter-occupied

18% 1 -2 units 18% 3 -9 units

6% 10-19 units

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

LONG ISLAND CITY

85%

18% 1 -2 units

58% 20 or more units

the center of the neighborhood where most of the 3 and 4 story townhomes exist. There are many advantages to the housing market in Long Island City. Long Island City has long been an affordable alternative to living in Manhattan and the abundance of subway access has fueled much of the demand for housing. Recently, housing prices have stayed steady in Long Island City while the cost of living in Brooklyn has risen making it even more appealing to market demand for housing alternatives with access to Manhattan.

58% 20 or more units

15% Owner-occupied 85% Renter-occupied

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.23: Current Housing Distribution

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One & Two Family Buildings Multi-Family Walk-Up Buildings Multi-Family Elevatior Buildings

Greenpoint

Mixed Residential & Commercial

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Health Care Services and Schools

Figure 3.24: Newcomers High School

The public institutions are distributed through most of the neighborhood and consist of schools and health care services (Figure 21). Health care services in Long Island City include diagnostic and treatment centers, hospices and school-based clinics, such as the Long Island City Health Center and several Floating Hospitals. Schools include elementary, middle and high schools, as well as universities and colleges. Examples of prominent schools in the neighborhood are the City University of New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Law School and the Frank Sinatra School of Arts High School. The majority of the health care services and schools are concentrated in the northeastern portion of the neighborhood (Figure 3.25). This is consistent with the high population density of those areas. The western portion of Long Island City, especially near the center, is underserved (Figure 3.25). As noted previously, this area is currently seeing massive investments in housing and increases in population.

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.25: Health Care Services and Schools

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Population density (sq. mile) 0-6000 6000-17000 17000-28000 28000-42000 42000-100000

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

OPEN SPACE

Figure 3.26: CBD Park Space

Park Distribution Open space is concentrated along the waterfront in Long Island City (Figure 3.27). South of the Queensboro Bridge along the East River are Gantry State Park and Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point South Park. Both parks feature playgrounds, benches, tables, chess boards, viewing platforms, and basketball courts. Gantry Plaza State Park features the refurbished Pepsi Cola sign from Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial era. North of the Queensboro Bridge is the Queensbridge Park, which is associated with the public housing nearby. In the southeastern edge of the neighborhood is the First Cavalry Cemetery. Open spaces scattered throughout Long Island City are a combination of vacant lots, playgrounds and parks.

Park Accessibility Mayor Bloomberg set forth a goal in PlaNYC to have every city resident live within a 10-minute walk from a park. Based on this criteria more than half of Long Island City is not served by quality parks (ie. HighQuality Triangles, Neighborhood and High-Quality Parks). This could potentially be due to, as shown previously on the land use map and housing map, the lack of housing concentration in this area.

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.27: Open Space and 10 Minute Walk Buffers

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Classification of Parks Vacant Lots School Playgrounds/ High Quality Triangles Neighborhood Parks High Quality Parks

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning

ECONOMICS Trends

Figure 3.28: Top 5 Industries (2000)

For several decades, Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy has been based in industrial and manufacturing industries. With the exception of retail trade, the main industries in Long Island City in 2000 were industrial during this period (Figure 3.28). Industrial jobs consisted of approximately 77% of total jobs in Long Island City. The 2001 rezoning converted industrial land at the center of Long Island City to commercial and mixedused zoning districts. This in conjunction to changes to the character of the citywide economy has had many implications for industry and job trends in the neighborhood. The main theme of this change is a shift towards a more service-oriented economy in conjunction with a decline in the industrial sector (Figure 3.29). Finance and Insurance as of 2012 were among the top 5 industries with regard to total jobs in Long Island City.

2000 TOP5 INDUSTRIES

36%

MANUFACTURING

Figure 3.29: Top 5 Industries (2012)

2012 TOP5 INDUSTRIES

21%

MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing 36% Manufacturing

Construction

36% Manufacturing 22% Construction

22% Construction 19% Wholesale Trade 14% Administrative and

19% Wholesale Support Services Trade 9% Retail Trade

14% Administrative and Support Services

Source: U.S. County Business Patterns

9% Retail Trade 38

LONG ISLAND CITY

29% Construction

29% Manufacturing 21% Manufacturing

21% 20%Construction Finance and Insurance 16% Wholesale Trade

20% Wholesale Trade 15% Transportation and Warehousing

16% Administrative and Source: U.S. County Business Patterns Support Services

15% Retail Trade

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ECONOMICS Trends Figure 13. Change in Jobs (2000-2012)

(2000-201 INTRODUCTION

Change Figure 13. Change in in Jobs (2000-2012) Jobs Figure 3.30: Change in Jobs (2000-2012)

7312

Finance and Insurance

1806

1412

930

639

Three out of five industries that saw the greatest increase in jobs were in the service sector. This shift Tra explains the rise in median household income from $38,494 in 2000 to $55,404 in 2012 as service sector Wa on average is higher paying than the industrial sector. Finance and insurance, which saw the greatest growth Acc in jobs during this period, is well-paying. Ser

Pro and

Retail Trade

Ret

Figure 13. Change in Jobs (2000-2012)

-3062

Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services

-3250

Wholesale Trade

VISION PLAN

Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services

Fin

SDOC & GOALS

n Jobs (2000-2012) 639

930

Finance and Insurance Transportation and Warehousing Transportation and Accommodation and Food Warehousing Services Accommodation and Food Professional, ScientiďŹ c, Services and Technical Services Professional, ScientiďŹ c, Retail Trade and Technical Services

EXISTING CONDITIONS

1806

-3250

Figure 3.30 shows that industrial jobs and jobs in the top 5 sectors of 2000 saw a decline in jobs between 2000 and 2012. These shifts have led to industrial jobs consisting of only 58% of all jobs in 2010 in the neighborhood compared to 77% in 2000.

Wholesale Trade Manufacturing

Manufacturing

-9888

Source: U.S. County Business Patterns

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

-9888

ECONOMICS Nodes and Districts

Figure 3.31: Luxury Condominium

The growth in the service sector can be attributed to the formation of 2 key economic nodes and 1 district over the past decade: the Queens Plaza Node, Vernon Boulevard Node and Arts District which can be seen in Figure 3.32. An economic node and district can be defined as a concentration of offices, commercial, and retail uses. Perhaps the most prominent node is the Queens Plaza Node, which is effectively the central business district of Long Island City. This node runs along Jackson Avenue and Queens Plaza South. It mainly consists of mixed-use developments, including several arts institutions, retail, hotels, small businesses and also major corporations. Examples of major corporations in the Queens Plaza Node include Jet Blue, CitiBank and Metlife. Much of the influx of large businesses is the result of efforts from the LIC Partnership, a group that conducted marketing campaigns, lobbied for business incentives and sanitation improvements in this area. Long Island City also has an Arts Node, which had been spreading in cluster throughout the neighborhood and north to Astoria. The Arts Node consists of a variety of art studios, museums and projects through collaborative efforts from prominent arts institutions, such as MoMA P.S.1, and independent cultural organizations. Pioneering this development is the Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA). Along with bringing in new artists into the area this node also serves as a means to attract tourists. The third economic node occurs along Vernon Boulevard and is appropriately named the Vernon Boulevard Node. This area is made up of a series of restaurants, a mix of incentivized affordable middle-income housing, luxury condominiums, publically accessible waterfront parks and TOD. 40

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.32: Economic Nodes and Districts

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Industrial Zone Commercial Zone VISION PLAN

Residential Zone Calvary Cemetery

Brooklyn

Vernon Blvd Node Queens Plaza Node Arts District

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning LIC Partnership

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS Arts and Culture

Figure 3.33: MoMa PS1

Long Island City features a robust arts and cultural base, which has played a prominent role in the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development over the past twenty years. The evolution of arts in Long Island City took place during the 1970s during the de-industrialization period. Many artists flocked to Long Island City to take advantage of the newly vacant land and to set up new arts studios, museums and other establishments. The major arts institutions can be seen in Figure 3.34. There are approximately 500 art studios in Long Island City. The studios are concentrated in the central part of the neighborhood and adjacent to the Queens Plaza Node as seen in Figure 3.34. This will attract artists to Long Island City. Interestingly, most of the growth in the arts scene in the neighborhood was due to a collection of individual initiatives and efforts as opposed to a collaborative effort. The Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) is attempting to build a neighborhood-wide network of artists and cultural entities and to facilitate increased interaction with the community and to cultivate an identity for Long Island City.

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 3.34: Arts Studios and Other Key Institutions

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Calvary Cemetery

VISION PLAN

21-35 36-60 61-190 Greenpoint

Major Art Institutes

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NYC Department of City Planning, LIC Partnership

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is clear that Long Island City is a neighborhood in transition not only because of the changes that have occurred. In summation, the local and regional connectivity provided by the transportation infrastructure and the 2001 rezoning acted provided a platform for change, growth and development for the neighborhood. Much of this is evident with the shift in the demographics, the increase in population, wealth and housing, the influx of service-oriented industries and the growth of the arts scene. Even amidst this change Long Island City is yet to solidify any type of identity as there is anticipation that great transformation of the neighborhood will take place in the next 20 years. Analysis in the future will look to better understand the future of Long Island City and the direction in which it is headed.

Source: Queens Brownstoner Source: Ackerberg

Source: 5ptz

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

EXISTING CONDITIONS

SDOC & GOALS

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

45 NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

SDOC ANALYSIS & GOALS Strengths Deficiencies Opportunities Constraints Goals

SDOC ANALYSIS STRENGTHS

Figure 4.1: Office Uses

Active Light Industrial Diversified Economy Population Growth Waterfront

Long Island City has many strengths, making it an attractive community for residents and businesses. The 2001 re-zoning preserved the active light industrial uses (Figure 4.2) that provide jobs to local residents. The re-zoning also encouraged commercial and retail development within a designated Central Business District (Figure 4.1), encouraging both the growth and diversification of the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local economy. Along with new commercial and retail development, Long Island City has experienced rapid and largescale population growth with many of the new residents are located in high-rise buildings along the waterfront. The waterfront provides sweeping views of Manhattan and the East River (Figure 4.3). Near these luxury rental apartments and in the central portion of the neighborhood are low-rise, mediumdensity townhomes are available for home-ownership. Homeowners are less susceptible to changes in

LONG ISLAND CITY

Ownership of Low-Rise, Medium-Density Homes Regional Connectivity Ethnic Diversity Arts and Culture

Source: LIC Arts Open Figure 4.2: Industrial Uses

home prices as the neighborhood develops and this provides stability in a transitioning community. The thirteen subway stations, a variety of bus lines, commuter rail station and plethora of parking facilities have helped attract both commuters and residents to Long Island City. These transportation options provide the neighborhood with regional connectivity to key areas such as Queens, Manhattan, New Jersey, and upstate New York.

Source: Google Street View Figure 4.3: Waterfront View

While experiencing population growth and economic development, the community has also remained ethnically diverse. This encourages a wider variety of retail options and population growth from different ethnic groups who are attracted to a more diverse community base. Long Island City is also home to a variety of arts institutions and over 500 studio spaces. Source: Koka

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SDOC ANALYSIS DEFICIENCIES

INTRODUCTION

Figure 4.4: Physical Boundaries

No Planning Culture or Governing Planning Body

Source: Google Earth

Isolated Neighborhoods

No Main Commercial Corridor

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Lack of Shared Community Vision

Increasing Income Gap

Undersupply of Low-Rise Homes

Figure 4.5: Current "Commercial Corridor"

Source: Google Street View Figure 4.6: Brownstones

The absence of a shared vision could also be due to Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s isolated neighborhoods. Income groups and land uses are separated both by physical and social barriers such as the Sunnyside rail yards and the Queensboro bridge (Figure 4.4) which bisect the

neighborhood. This isolation is further exacerbated by the increasing income gap between the wealthy and the poor. Long Island City also lacks a few key land uses. Although there are several streets with commercial and retail activities, theses activities are limited to one or two blocks and there is no significant commercial corridor (Figure 4.5). A commercial and retail corridor can act as a connection between different neighborhoods.

VISION PLAN

Source: LIC.TALK

A by-product of the lack of local representation is the lack of a shared community vision for what Long Island City should be. Without a unified vision the current development in the neighborhood does not contribute to a particular character or goal in its design. As a result, much of the new development does not fulfill all of the needs for its residents.

SDOC & GOALS

There are several internal deficiencies in Long Island City that should be addressed. Firstly, Long Island City does not have a neighborhood planning body that enables the community to voice their ideas or opinions.

Further, the low-rise townhomes in central Long Island City are in such high demand that prices are on the rise and the neighborhood in conjunction is struggling to meet the demand for low-rise homes (Figure 4.6). The lack of diversity in housing options also limits the ability for Long Island City to accommodate an increase in family with children.

APPENDIX

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

SDOC ANALYSIS OPPORTUNITIES

Figure 4.7: Pier Six

"Downtown Queens" Proximity to Manhattan Brooklyn Spillover Lack of Affordable Housing in Manhattan

PlaNYC's Requirement on Parks within 10-Minute Walk Tourism

The existing conditions of Long Island City present numerous opportunities and set up change in the future. From the west side of the neighborhood, Long Island City's close proximity to Manhattan can serve as an attraction to both residents and businesses (Figure 4.8).

The vacant lands and underutilized buildings in Long Island City also provide room for new commercial and residential developments, and a unique culture of adaptive reuse. Long Island City is unique in Queens given its inventory of land which could potentially be redeveloped for diversified and denser uses.

The lack of affordable housing in Manhattan leads people to look elsewhere for housing, and Long Island City is exactly the place where their needs can be satisfied with the housing prices in the neighborhood being comparatively cheaper.

These new developments are further bolstered by the goal of PlaNYC to have every resident live within a 10-minute walk from a park, which gives Long Island City the chance to designate more supplementary public open spaces and build a more cohesive urban configuration.

From the south side, the Brooklyn spillover results in rising demands in Long Island City's real estate market and increasing investment into the community. Within the past few years the price in Brooklyn has risen above that of Long Island City, creating an additional wave of demand from this neighborhood in addition to Manhattan

Vacant and Underutilized Lands and Buildings

LONG ISLAND CITY

Not just an attraction for residence and employment, Long Island City is also a destination for tourism given its high concentration of cultural institutions, which could be a base for further development of its tourist industry and new developments (Figure 4.9).

Source: Adam Tecza Figure 4.8: Queensboro Bridge

Source: Adam Tecza Figure 4.9: Factory-to-Arts Tour

Source: Radiator Gallery

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SDOC ANALYSIS CONSTRAINTS

INTRODUCTION

Figure 4.10: Parking Lot

The City's Interests

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Congestion Pricing in NYC Con Edison & Sunnyside Yards Source: ParkWhiz Figure 4.11: Con Edison Plant

Figure 4.12: Sunnyside Yards

In addition, there is also possibility for New York City to introduce congestion pricing, which may compel people to use Long Island City as a huge parking lot for their commutes to Manhattan which would negatively impact the quality of life of its residents (Figure 4.10).

In terms of physical conditions, although Long Island City is highly accessible with public transit, the physical barriers at the edge of the neighborhood such as Sunnyside Yards (Figure 4.12) and vast institutionally invested projects such as Con Edison Learning Center constrain it from fully utilizing its lands and improving integration with other neighborhoods. It also poses challenges for planners to increase connectivity among different areas in Long Island City.

VISION PLAN

Externally, some constraints might prevent Long Island City from growing into an inclusive and accessible neighborhood. Firstly, the fact that Long Island City is the target of city sponsored growth suggests that development is unstoppable, which might challenge local communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. An example of this is the influx of luxury high-rises in the neighborhood over the past few years which if persists may make the neighborhood too expensive to accommodate its current tenured homeowners and pose a danger for its high renter population.

SDOC & GOALS

Source: Flickr

Flood Zone

The proximity of Long Island City to the East River also put its most developed areas in danger of flooding. As redevelopment continues throughout the neighborhood in the coming years, special attention should be paid to the vulnerability of new homes to flooding and environmental threats.

Source: Jeremiah Budin

APPENDIX

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

GOALS

Improve its physical and social connections

Expand neighborhood-wide access to quality parks

Redefine the industrial character to compliment future development

In addition to the layer of ongoing construction disrupting the physical form and prohibiting fluid pedestrian access throughout Long Island City, there are currently several physical and social barriers preventing accessibility to different parts of the neighborhood. With this in mind one of the goals is that residents from different parts Long Island City are provided opportunities to interact with one another, whether actively or passively. This can be done through the mitigation of physical barriers and the creation of nodes and activities which can bring different groups together.

In response to the shortage of parks in New York, Long Island City should strive to improve the accessibility of this feature for its residents. This can be done through improving existing parks (and open spaces) so that is of appropriate quality to serve people and adding new quality parks in underserved areas. Special attention should be paid to balancing the quality of parks regardless of the surrounding income levels of residents. Opportunities should be explored to create additional parks that attract residents throughout the neighborhood.

The local economy of Long Island City has seen a significant decline in industrial jobs over the past decade and has shifted towards a more service oriented industry. Although this increases the economic value of the neighborhood, it will be a detriment to residents within the area who are dependent on industrial jobs. Along with the Industrial Business Zones set up by the city to preserve industrial uses, future interventions should also include attracting industrial jobs that are complementary to existing and future uses in the neighborhood. Reducing the conflict between these different uses will help in bolstering the industrial sector while reducing the pressure for its removal from the neighborhood.

Source: NYS Parks

Source: Jessica Best Figure 4.13: Commercial Corridor

LONG ISLAND CITY

Source: Jeff Reuben Figure 4.14: Gantry Plaza State Park (Top) Figure 4.15: Playground (Left) Figure 4.16: Waterfront Park (Right)

Source: Helen Lee

Source: Adam Tecza

Figure 4.17-19: Current Industrial Uses

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

GOALS

Long Island City has recently seen a flood of luxury housing units and if this trend persists throughout the neighborhood it may become too expensive for its current tenured homeowners and renters. In order to keep the neighborhood intact, it is essential to encourage a diverse range of housing options that matches this influx of high-rises with alternative housing options such as low-rise townhouses. It follows that such a diversity in housing forms will encourage a diversity in housing prices and diversity in family types, while protecting its existing residents.

Lo n g I s l a n d C i t y, w i t h i t s l o c a t i o n w i t h i n a floodplain along with being filled with many industrial developments, presents several potential environmental problems in the present and for the future. With that in mind one of the goals would be to mitigate the environmental effects of both of these factors. For the floodplain this will include a variety of initiatives to protect the neighborhood from potential flooding such as water retention measures and physical barriers. For the industrial developments this will include remediation efforts and the separation of high intensity and polluting industrial uses from residents and pedestrians.

Long Island City has the potential to become a destination for both its residents and for other parts of the city in areas such as tourism, shopping and work. This will involve strengthening its arts and cultural institutions which can highlight the interests of a diverse population and be an attraction for tourism. Additionally, improvement to the retail environment by means of restaurants and shopping around supporting anchor institutions will help sustain a diverse economy but more importantly will bolster Long Island Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity and sense of place. Bolstering the commercial development of the neighborhood and building upon its developing central business district will also be an important element to this endeavor.

Source: Interface Studio

Source: Adam Tecza

Source: Turenscape

VISION PLAN

Source: David Sanders

SDOC & GOALS

Make Long Island City a destination

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Protect the neighborhood from environmental threats

INTRODUCTION

Encourage a diverse range of housing options

Source: Long Island City at a Glance

Figure 4.23: Green Infrastructure Figure 4.24: Flood Control Park

Figure 4.25: Community Gathering in Arts Space

NEIGHBORHOOD IN TRANSITION

APPENDIX

Figure 4.20: Queensbridge Houses Figure 4.21: High-Rise, Luxury Apartments Figure 4.22: Low-Rise Townhouses

Source: Long Island City at a Glance

VISION PLAN Vision Plan Approach Preserved Areas Livable Integrated Connected Phasing & Funding Implementation Matrix

VISION PLAN APPROACH The Cornerstone of Queens

Livable Housing Goal

Environment Goal

Integrated Industrial Goal

Connected Connection Goal

Long Island City has seen rapid transformation over the past decade and is growing to become one of the most attractive locations for both residents and businesses in New York City â&#x20AC;&#x201C; much of this is due to the existing strengths present in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is still in the nascent stages of its transition and its identity far from solidified, as there are still multiple opportunities for development, along with several deficiencies and threats that need to be addressed. The role of the planners is to help shape the future of Long Island City in accordance to a vision, which is to make it a Livable, Integrated and Connected Neighborhood.

to address this matter to make the neighborhood accessible and livable only for all income groups.

Livable

Integrative

A livable neighborhood can be described as one that can fulfill the basic needs of all residents, which include the ability to acquire a place to live and be safe from potential threats. For the former, a trend that we have seen in the neighborhood as mentioned in the existing conditions is a shift towards more luxury housing. Although this helps increase the attractiveness of Long Island City to higher income groups, what this threatens to do is limit the accessibility of the neighborhood to lower income groups. More specifically, this new development pressure could raise the price of new and existing housing in the neighborhood while making existing affordable housing developments more isolated from the surrounding area. Interventions must be made

An integrative neighborhood can be described as one which is able to create a harmonious balance of different uses. More specifically, one pervasive trend over the past decade along with the influx of residential development is the service industry businesses. This development pressure coupled with industrial uses conflict with these new types of uses makes the existing industrial developments susceptible to change and being pushed out of the neighborhood. This can be problematic as this can lead to losses of jobs. An intervention must be made to both protect these industrial businesses neighborhood by better integrating them with new development.

LONG ISLAND CITY

For the latter, the location adjacent to the waterfront has proved and will be an important component for Long Island City, serving as a magnet of development for the neighborhood. Inversely one threat that is posed due to this proximity is that of flooding with almost half of the neighborhood being within a floodplain. This location also coincides with most of existing and future residential development in the neighborhood and as a result an intervention is necessary to protect them from this threat.

Green Goal

Destination Goal

Connected A connected neighborhood is firstly one that provides people multiple opportunities and reasons to interact with the space. More specifically, this involves providing an ample supply of work, shopping and recreational opportunities for both the residents in the neighborhood and ones from other parts of the city. This will help in bolstering the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local economy by containing the residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic activities within the neighborhood along with attracting business from other areas. This additional activity with the neighborhood also generates more activity on the streets, which is important in creating a vibrant space. Another feature of a connected neighborhood is one that provides opportunities for residents from different areas to interact with one another whether actively or passively. This serves the function of creating stronger bonds with residents of both similar and different backgrounds, establishing a sense of community and pride in the neighborhood. Increasing solidarity within communities also helps in mobilizing collective action and social change by creating a unified voice. The ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds also facilitates the understanding of varying ideas, beliefs and cultures, creating an environment which embraces diversity.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

IMPLEMENTATIONS Figure 5.1: Master Plan d

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Sunnyside Yard Green Infrastructure Overlay Under-Bridge Development Corridor Intersection

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

PRESERVED AREAS

In conjunction to the development of recommendations there were several key elements of the Long Island City where no interventions would be involved. It is because these areas represent existing strengths in Long Island City that align with the vision for the neighborhood. These features effectively act as the foundation for the recommendations in the plan (Figure 5.5). Firstly, there are the luxury housing developments along waterfront area. Adjacent to this are several mid-density townhomes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most of which have high rates of ownership. Both these developments add to

The nor thern and southern por tions of the neighborhood currently act as the main industrial areas of the neighborhood and is also the location of most of itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Industrial Business Zones. With regard to the southern portion in particularly it is conveniently separated from potential conflicts due to the presence

Figure 5.2: Luxury Housing Development

Figure 5.3: Low-Rise Townhomes

Source: LIC Partnership

the variety of the housing stock in the neighborhood and make it more Livable for the higher income groups. Other benefits of these developments is that it increases the tax base of Long Island City while also reducing development pressure other parts of Queens.

LONG ISLAND CITY

of Sunnyside yards which acts as a buffer. These are locations in which the industrial sector can be better Integrated into the neighborhood amidst its rapidly changing character. There is also a flourishing economic hub at the center of the neighborhood which has the potential to become the Central Business District of Queens. This also creates a node which can facilitate the convergence of residents from different parts of the neighborhood and contribute to is being more Connected.

Figure 5.4: CBD District

Source: Xue Jin

Source: LIC Partnership

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 5.5: Preserved Areas in the Neighborhood

INTRODUCTION

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Legacy Townhomes Calvary Cemetery

Brooklyn

Luxury High-Density Housing Economic Hub Mixed Use (IBZ) Sunnyside Yard

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing Implement Inclusive Zoning Overlay Long Island City as mentioned in the existing conditions is seeing an influx of luxury housing units entering the neighborhood. This is a positive development as it is indicative of Long Island City becoming an attractive location to live – with that said there must still be measures taken to ensure that affordable housing is still available in the neighborhood. The recommendations for Long Island City will involve the following phases: 1. Implement Inclusive Zoning Overlay 2. Construction of New Mixed Income Housing Development at Waterfront 3. Relocation of Residents to Housing Development in Phase 1 4. R e n o v a t i o n o f 1 / 3 o f t h e S t r u c t u r e s o f Queensbridge Homes 5. Repeat of Phases 3 and 4 These phases in tandem will help in increasing the supply of affordable housing in the neighborhood.

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LONG ISLAND CITY

Implementation

Phase 1 of the process involves the implementation of a new inclusive zoning overlay – the purpose being to further increase the availability of affordable housing. The boundaries of the new zone are (Figure 5.9):

The implementation of the new inclusive zone will involve usage of New York City’s new housing policy which requires the provision of affordable housing for any future real estate project that requires a zoning change. This will be the case as the area that these potential new residential developments will occupy is currently zoned as industrial. The rezoning will be initiated Department of City Planning and be subject to review by the City Planning Commission and the City Council who possess the powers to approve and implement the amendment. In conjunction to this rezoning will be the changing of the Industrial Business Zone boundary in which the proposed rezoned area overlaps with – this process will be elaborated upon in the Industrial Preservation Program section.

• • • •

Vernon Boulevard (West) 11th Street (East) Queens Boulevard (North) 45th Avenue (South)

The overlay will have similar provisions to the R-5 District in the New York City Zoning Code and the only permitted use will be residential. The permitted density in specific areas within the overlay include: • FAR of 5 along either side of 10th street • FAR of 4 along either side of 9th street and 11th street • FAR of 3 along either side of Vernon Boulevard Other provisions of the overlay include:

Figure 5.6: Locator - Housing 0

Recommendation

• Developers of new residential units are required to provide at least 20% of the units affordable to low-income residents • Developers of new residential that provide at least 35% of units as affordable will be granted an increase of 2-3 stories in height

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing

INTRODUCTION

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APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

VISION PLAN

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LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing Construction of New Mixed Income Housing Development at Waterfront Recommendation

Figure 5.10: Waterfront Development - Before

The second phase involves the construction of new housing units at a parking lot located at the waterfront (Figure 5.10). This will serve as both a new source of mixed-income housing along with being a temporary location for several of the displaced residents of the Queensbridge homes while it goes under renovation (this will be elaborated upon later). The logistics of the new mixed-income housing development at the waterfront include (Figure 5.11): • Four 20-story towers • Multiple 6 to 8-stor y mid-rise apar tment buildings • Waterfront Park • Parking Structure • 35% of the units will be affordable • 1,288 units in total (451 affordable) The waterfront park will be developed at the edge of the housing development and resemble the nearby Gantry Plaza State Park (Figure 5.13). The parking structure that will be constructed will effectively replace the initial parking lot and be used to serve both the residents and the employees at ConEd. The entire development will take the form of a Texas Donut style structure to mitigate the impact of the parking structure on the views of residents (Figure 5.12). For the apartments, each of the structures will feature commercial or retail uses in its first floor with to serve its residents.

LONG ISLAND CITY

Figure 5.11: Waterfront Development - After

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.12: Isometric View of Waterfront Development

Implementation

EXISTING CONDITIONS

The first step in building these housing units is to facilitate a partnership between the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Consolidated Edison Electric (ConEd) – the latter being the owners of the parking lot. One of the specific roles of the NYCHA is to provide payment for a land lease over the course of 15 years to ConEd at a reduced rate – at the end of this period the land would be owned by the NYCHA. The funding to attain this land and develop the new housing development (along with the park) will come from the city’s affordable housing budget, which Mayor DiBlasio recently announced in his state of the city address.

SDOC & GOALS

Another role of the NYCHA is to provide a multi-story parking structure to replace the initial parking lot. The parking structure will feature a fee-based parking program – the revenues of which will be used to help re-cooperate the costs to construct and maintain the structure. Figure 5.13: Section of Waterfront Development

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing Renovation of Queensbridge Houses Recommendation After construction of this water front unit the renovation of the Queensbridge houses can be conducted – this being the largest affordable housing complex in the neighborhood and currently home to 7,982 residents. Although there have not been any plans to remove Queensbridge houses, due to the shifting character of housing in Long Island City, coupled with development pressure and it being an outdated form for providing affordable units it has been identified as a vulnerable to being removed from the neighborhood. Another reason to shift Queensbridge houses from 100% affordable to mixed-income is the main issue associated with the former, which include the concentration and the spatial segregation of poverty. This is typically correlated with the blighting of areas, higher rates of crime and increased isolation from the rest of the community – the latter 2 being issues currently plaguing the residential development. The benefits of mixed income housing is that through the dispersion of lower-income residents throughout the neighborhood they will get access to better amenities such as higher quality parks, education and commercial/retail establishments. The renovation of the Queensbridge houses will also be conducted in phases – each phase consisting of 1/3rd of the entire lot (Figure 5.14). The logistics of each phase include (Figure 5.15): • • • • •

10-12 story towers 5-6 story mid-rise developments Sixteen 2 story townhomes 35% of the units will be affordable Total: 2,046 units (716 of which are affordable)

LONG ISLAND CITY

Figure 5.14: Renovation Plan for 3 Phases

as h P

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as Ph

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

LIVABLE Mixed-Income Housing

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.16: Renovation Phase 1 Plan - Before

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Each phase will also involve the offer of temporary relocation to the newly constructed waterfront housing development or to other affordable housing units in the neighborhood. Once the renovation of each third of the Queensbridge houses is completed residents who were dislocated will be provided the option to move back into the structure.

Implementation

SDOC & GOALS

Figure 5.17: Renovation Phase 1 Plan - After

Implementation and funding for the project will rely upon a public-private partnership or Design-BuildOperate agreement between a private developer and the City of New York. Other sources of financing can come in the form of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and the Hope 6 Grant Program. During this process the NYCHA along with the Department of City Planning should work closely with the residents of Queensbridge houses to inform them of the renovations, gather some feedback as to what facilities or programs that could be added and to coordinate their temporary displacement. This will be an important process to mitigate the temporary disruption that the construction will cause along with helping assuage existing residents who may be against the project through better accommodations.

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

LIVABLE Green Infrastructure

Figure 5.18: Bioswales

Figure 5.19: Green Roof

As covered in the existing conditions around half of the neighborhood is covered by a floodplain with it being located adjacent to the East River. Measures need to be taken to help protect residents of the neighborhood from this potential threat.

Recommendation A recommendation to address this matter is the through the installation of additional green infrastructure which include (Figure 5.18, Figure 5.19, Figure 5.20): • Green Roofs • Bioswales • Flow-Through Planters • Detention Tanks • Re-use of Grey Water

Source: EPA

Source: City of Chicago

Figure 5.20: Manmade Wetland

These green infrastructure elements can be applied to both new and existing development.

Implementation The implementation of this measure can involve a public-private par tnership between private property owners and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP). The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) can help initiate this partnership by informing local property owners about the grant program and encouraging them to participate. For funding, the NYC DEP features an annual grant program that provides funds for the construction of green infrastructure on private property. Source: TWLA

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 5.21: New Residential Zoning Map

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APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

INTEGRATED Rezoning The industrial area bounded by 44th Ave, Vernon Blvd, Queens Blvd, and Jackson Ave currently contains approximately 2,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing. The educational attainment for 80% of workers in this area is less than the level of a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree. The proposed and existing residential development surrounding this area will create increasing conflicts between residents and the negative externalities cause from industrial activity in the community. The conflicts between industrial activity and neighboring residential development may create pressure for city council to limit or restrict heavier industrial activity. In addition to this pressure from residents, developers may also begin to pressure the local government to change the land use for this area to allow for development due to the rising value of land in the area. Both of these factors threaten the continued presence of jobs and industry in this location. It is crucial to the health and diversity of Long Island City to ensure that the neighborhood provides not only housing options fora diverse population but also the economic options as well. A new approach will be required to continue to preserve the inclusion of job creating activity for the area. Figure 5.24: Locator - Industrial Uses 0.25

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Rezoning Recommendations The first step will be to rezone the area for a lighter industrial use that creates less negative externalities which will be support by surrounding residential development and higher density and value which will be alleviate developer pressures. To do this we recommend rezoning the remaining industrial area not affected by the waterfront plans from M1-4 to M1-5 (Figure 5.25, Figure 5.26). This will accomplish several goals, the first of which will be to increase the allowable FAR from 2.0 to 5.0 and alleviate development pressure in the area (Figure 5.22, Figure 5.23). Joint-Live Work Quarters (JLWQ) are currently permitted in industrial M1-5 zones only in the NoHo and SoHo neighborhoods in southern Manhattan. A JLWQ designation allows for the conversion of industrial space into residential use for the accommodation of artists and artisanal light industrial activity. The performance standards for this area are more strict and reduce the negative externalities that conflict with other land uses. Expanding the JLWQ designation will allow for the preservation of a different form of industrial uses within the area. As a result these policy changes would be the conversion of existing 4 and 5 story factory buildings (Figure 5.27) in the area to JLWQ use (Figure 5.28). The National Park Service currently offers a 10% nonhistoric tax credit available for buildings built before 1935 which may aid the conversion of these areas and to preserve their uses. This will help to preserve the industrial heritage buildings and character within the area while offering the ability for immediate change that will bolster economic activity. Over time the lower density 1 and 2 story manufacturing facilities would probably turn over to development into buildings that accommodate JLWQ use and fill the higher FAR limits of 5.0.

Figure 5.22: Demonstration of M1-4

FAR=2 Height limit: 60 ft

Figure 5.23: Demonstration of M1-5

FAR=5 Height limit: 85 ft

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

APPENDIX

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Figure 5.27: Before - Warehouse

Figure 5.25: Before Rezonging

INTEGRATED Industrial Stabilization Industrial Stabilization Figure 5.29: Aerial View of the Industrial Area - Before Rezoning

Adapting the industrial character of the area in this way of allowing higher density for artisanal industrial uses will likely cause many of the 2,000 manufacturing and construction jobs to leave the area. The second phase of the plan aims to expand existing tax programs that will be strong enough to create an incentive for industrial activity to remain within the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remaining IBX zones. The current industrial relocation program provides a fairly weak incentive for industries that remain within New York. This incentive is a one-time payment of $1,000 per employee. We recommend city council considers temporarily extending the Relocation Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to include Long Island City. This program is currently restricted to within Manhattan or outside of New York City and grants $3,000 per employee each year, for 12 years. The development of Long Island City is comparable to that of Manhattan in its density and economic activity and as such expansion of industrial retention programs such as REAP should be considered to preserve the presence of these manufacturing jobs.

Figure 5.30: Aerial View of the Industrial Area - After Rezoning

Source: Google Earth Image

LONG ISLAND CITY

The overall result of this program will create two very different types of industrial activity in the area (Figure 5.31). The first of which will be a very light artisanal industrial activity within the newly developed residential neighborhood south of Queensboro Bridge. This area will also house the artists that work there and will complement the surrounding residential and commercial activities. The second type of industrial area will be within the remaining IBZ zones in the northern and southern parts of Long Island City. The location of the remaining heavier IBZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are located where the externalities of their activity are buffered from other land uses that may create conflicts. These policy changes will create an industrial base that is balanced with the new character of the neighborhood and that is more secure from the threat of change for the foreseeable future.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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implement this program City council would first pass a resolution changing the zoning within the bounded area from M1-4 to M-5 so that the FAR is increased and it becomes qualified for the next step of designation as a Joint Live-Work Quarters (JLWQ) area. City council would also pass an ordinance to expand the JLWQ designation to include this newly zoned M1-5 area in Long Island City. The second part of this program would require city council to pass a resolution to expand the Relocation Employee Assistance Program (REAP) to include Long Island City.

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Figure 5.31: Relocation to Industrial Business Zones

Industrial sending area Existing IBZ Mixed-Income Res.

Calvary Cemetery

Brooklyn

Joint-Live Work Quarters

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Nodes CBD Node One of the deficiencies in Long Island City was the lack of connectivity in the area due to physical barriers along with an absence of nodes that can attract residents in the neighborhood.

Figure 5.33: CBD Park - Before

The largest node and strongest attractor would be the Central Business District (CBD). The function of the CBD is to be the main location for jobs in the neighborhood while also providing a wide array of retail uses to bring in residents who intend to work, shop or are seeking entertainment. A park will also be developed in the CBD to provide recreation (Figure 5.33, Figure 5.34).

Figure 5.34: CBD Park - After Figure 5.32: Locator - Nodes 0.25

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONNECTED Nodes

Figure 5.35: 44th & Vernon - Before

Figure 5.36: Street View - Before

Figure 5.37: 44th Drive & Vernon - After

Figure 5.38: Street View - After

EXISTING CONDITIONS

There are key intersections – this being Vernon Avenue and Jackson Boulevard, and 44th Drive and Vernon Boulevard – which can serve as one of the main attractors for residents in the neighborhood that can both serve their daily needs and wants while facilitating interaction. These intersections currently feature several deficiencies that may mitigate their ability to attract the development necessary to attract residents, and as result several interventions may need to be enacted to unlock these spaces.

INTRODUCTION

44th Drive & Vernon Boulevard

Recommendation

VISION PLAN

The first recommendation is the expansion of the existing park so that it can accommodate additional residents. Another recommendation is to work conduct streetscape improvements and mini parks on both sides of the space while installing a new protected two-lane cycle track on the western side to make the space more accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. The surrounding lots are also recommended be rezoned so to allow a higher FAR to encourage more density and development in the area. The last recommendation is to reroute traffic by closing off the road at 45th Avenue. This will help allow the creation of the small park on the western part of the neighborhood while reducing potential conflict with oncoming cyclists (Figure 5.37).

SDOC & GOALS

The intersection at 44th Drive and Vernon Boulevard currently features a park at its center and is surrounded by several low-rise housing developments (Figure 5.35). There are no notable deficiencies in the area – however there are still potential improvements that can be made to maximize the amount of development that would be attracted to the area along with its accessibility to residents in the neighborhood.

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APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Nodes Vernon Boulevard & Jackson Avenue Recommendation Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue currently converge at an intersection the hosts multiple on-street parking spaces and off-street lots. It is a gateway to Hunter’s Point South at the end of Borden Avenue as well as a newly constructed and functioning elementary school and grocery store. Additionally, there are several luxury condominiums and hotels nearby which require both pedestrian and transit access. The parking lots identified are problematic for safety for multiple modes. Firstly, it allowing motorists to move in different directions into oncoming traffic (with motorists entering and exiting the lots) not only creates travel delays, but also can cause collisions. These conditions also make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the intersection safely. Furthermore, due to poor signage, pedestrians are unaware of where to walk and can easily find themselves in a “No Standing Zone”. For these reasons the redesign of this intersection is recommended for the growth of Vernon and Jackson Avenue commercial district. The first recommendation is to remove the parking lots and utilize that space as a new roadway. In conjunction to this would be the implementation of both a green path and two-way bike lane at the eastern sidewalk to make this space more accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists. Other features such as appropriate signage directing to its amenities, lighting and trees is recommended to make the space more attractive.

LONG ISLAND CITY

Implementation

Figure 5.39: Vernon Blvd & Jackson Ave Node - Before Vernon Blvd.

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Figure 5.40: Vernon Blvd & Jackson Ave Node - After

Park Spaces & Greenways

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For to the intersection at Vernon Boulevard and Jackson Avenue the City currently owns the parking lot and the removal of the lot would have to be negotiated. The entity that would implement these streetscape improvements, cycle track and the closing off of 49th Avenue is the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT ). The extension of the park in said intersection would be implemented by the NYC Parks Department. Funding for these recommendations will involve the extension of the Business Improvement District (BID) to these intersections. The extension of these districts would involve working with the Long Island City Partnership (LICP) who manages the BIDs in the neighborhood. Lastly, the process of rezoning the lots surrounding the 44th Drive and Vernon Boulevard intersection will involve the submission of a proposal to New York’s City Council who is responsible for managing the zoning in the city for their approval.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONNECTED Corridors

INTRODUCTION EXISTING CONDITIONS

The creation of new and improvement of existing nodes in the neighborhood will serve as the centers in which residents within and outside the neighborhood can gather. In conjunction to this will be development of the networks or corridors that connect these nodes together and more importantly with the different residential areas in the neighborhood. The purpose of this is to facilitate the usage of these nodes by making them more accessible through the elimination of physical barriers, reduction of conflict between different modes and to increase the comfort of traversing along these different corridors. The key corridors that were identified are Jackson Avenue, Vernon Avenue to 10th Street and 44th Drive (Figure 5.41).

SDOC & GOALS

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APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Corridors Jackson Avenue Recommendation

Figure 5.43: Section of Jackson Avenue - Before

Jackson Avenue will act as a main connector from the southern and northern residential areas of the neighborhood to the Central Business District (CBD). Its existing conditions include a 4-lane road for vehicles and sidewalks (Figure 5.44).

Figure 5.42: Current Jackson Avenue

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Source: Nasir Uddin

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LONG ISLAND CITY

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CONNECTED Corridors

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.45: Street View of Jackson Avenue - Before

EXISTING CONDITIONS SDOC & GOALS

Figure 5.46: Street VIew of Jackson Avenue - After

VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Corridors 44th Drive Recommendation

Figure 5.49: Section of 44th Drive - Before

44th Drive will act as a main connector between the planned development along the waterfront, the new inclusive overlay zone and the Queensbridge houses to the CBD (Figure 5.50). This will help residents access the CBD while also providing employees working at the CBD to the waterfront amenities such as Gantry State Park. The existing conditions of 44th Drive (Figure 5.49) include a two-lane road, sidewalks and limited green features. 20 feet

Figure 5.47: Current 44th Drive

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Source: Han Bao Figure 5.48: 44th Drive at Intersection

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LONG ISLAND CITY

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CONNECTED Corridors

INTRODUCTION

Vernon Boulevard & 10th Street Recommendation

Figure 5.51: Section of Vernon Avenue & 10th Street - Before

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Vernon Boulevard and 10th Street will act as the main connector between the Queensbridge houses to the southern part of the neighborhood. It will also be an intermediary connector to 44th Drive which as mentioned previously is the main connector to the CBD. The existing conditions of the corridor include a two-way road, sidewalk and limited green features.

Figure 5.53: Current Vernon Boulevard

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Figure 5.52: Section of Vernon Avenue & 10th Street - After

Source: Panoramio Figure 5.54: Streetscape of 10th Street

VISION PLAN

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Source: Jakob Kuhn

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

APPENDIX

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CONNECTED Corridors Streetscape Improvement Figure 5.55: Streetscape Type for Vernon Boulevard & 10th Street - Before

Recommendation Each of these corridors will feature streetscape improvements in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one being the addition of bike lanes. Supplementing both the existing and planned sidewalks and two-lane cycle tracks lined with grass and trees to provide a buffer between pedestrians and cyclists with oncoming vehicular traffic. This helps make the corridors more accessible to residents by allowing additional modes, reducing conflicts between different modes and creating a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Each of the three corridors will be rezoned to allow for both higher FAR and mixed-use developments.

Figure 5.56: Facade Improvement for Vernon Boulevard & 10th Street - After

The streetscape improvements in tandem with the higher FAR allowance should also help improve the attractiveness of the corridors to developers, increasing the residential, retail and commercial development along these networks. Increasing the development along the corridor will help generate more activity along these networks. This is especially beneficial to pedestrians as the additional foot traffic will create more vibrant corridors, which can increase the comfort of traversing through these networks. Allowing and encouraging a mix of uses along these corridors also ensures that this activity is sustained throughout most of the day.

Downtown Facade Improvements | Source: Moule & Polyzoides, Architects and Urbanists

LONG ISLAND CITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONNECTED Corridors

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.57: Streetscape Type for 44th Drive - Before

Implementation

EXISTING CONDITIONS

The entity that will implement these streetscape improvements is the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT). Funding for the streetscape improvement will involve the extension of the Business Improvement District (BID) to the different corridors. This process would involve working with the Long Island City Partnership (LICP) who manages the BIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the neighborhood.

Figure 5.58: Facade Improvement for 44th Drive - After

SDOC & GOALS

There are also other sources of funding for Vernon Boulevard in particular. Most of the commercial buildings along Vernon Boulevard were built prior to 1935. As a result of this any improvements made to these buildings in excess of $5,000 would be eligible for a non-historic tax credit from the National Park Service. The program covers all non-historic buildings built prior to 1935 as long as the rehabilitation work still leaves much of the building in place. The 10% tax credit is much easier to apply for than the 20% historic tax credit because there is no formal review process for rehabilitations of non-historic buildings, and the building does not need to be placed on any national historic registers to qualify.

VISION PLAN

The process of rezoning the lots can be initiated by the LICP and the Department of City Planning involve the submission of a proposal to New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Council who is responsible for managing the zoning in the city for their approval. Source: Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Under-Bridge Development

Figure 5.59: Current Under-Bridge Uses

Currently the space under the Queensboro Bridge is mostly fenced off and used for storage of trucking, park materials such as mulch, and other municipal related materials (Figure 5.59). The bridge underpass itself serves as a construction and industrial use preventing any pedestrian or community use within or through the area. In the current context to enable better flow throughout the neighborhood and to strengthen its growing residential character several recommendations are presented to improve this space.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Figure 5.61: Under-Bridge Development Projects

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THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

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Figure 5.62: 10th Street Arch - Before

Recommendations These roads end at the bridge under present conditions and are fenced off from any through access (Figure 5.62). This effectively acts as a barrier between the residents of the Queensbridge houses and the southern part of the neighborhood. The first of the three programs is to restore access from the north under the bridge to the south of the neighborhood by removing the fencing and opening 10th and 11th streets to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. This will involve the extension of these two road networks through this area along with sidewalks (Figure 5.63). In addition to opening up access for transit through these areas they could be made available for more active use under the bridge itself. One possible proposal for an active use under this area would be to establish a skatepark (Figure 5.64). An athletic use such as this could provide for a social gathering place and facilitate interactions between residents of Queensbridge houses with the rest of the neighborhood. Installations of LED lights along the structural arches at 10th and 11th street could further enhance these corridors as gateways within the neighborhood (Figure 5.65). This would firstly serve the function of making these spaces more accessible at night for drivers and pedestrians. Another function it can serve is as a physical reminder to highlight the asset that this space represents within the neighborhood as an asset for various athletic and social gathering places and connections within Long Island City. Further west along 21st, 22nd and 23rd streets where they intersect the bridge additional improvements should also be made to transform this space from

LONG ISLAND CITY

Figure 5.63: 10th Street Arch - After the New Crossing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CONNECTED Under-Bridge Development

Figure 5.65: Lighting Installation

Figure 5.67: Underbridge Community Playground - After

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Figure 5.66: Underbridge Community Playground - Before

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.64: Skate Park

SDOC & GOALS VISION PLAN

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

CONNECTED Under-Bridge Development

Figure 5.68: Retail Activity

industrial and auto-oriented uses to pedestrian, artistic, and active community uses (Figure 5.66, Figure 5.67, Figure 5.68). The first step in achieving this goal would be to enhance the intersections in these areas to make them safer and easier for pedestrian access. In addition the underutilized area under the bridge in this area could be adapted for artist activity between 21st and 22nd streets as well as along the walls under the bridge from 23rd to 25th street under the bridge (Figure 5.69). Improving the infrastructure and the underpass area also provides an opportunity to install technology that will help the neighborhood become more resilient to flood and storm surge risks. Within the floodplain along the waterfront along the bridge a state-of-theart storm control park could be created to strengthen the neighborhood against environmental hazards. This investment could provide another green amenity for the neighborhood while also providing protection from flooding.

Implementation Firstly, the acquisition of the land under the bridge will have to be negotiated by the state – illustrating the social and economic value of opening up space could prove important. The road extensions would be implemented by the NYDOT – the funding of which would come from NYDOT budget. The development of a new park would require a large amount of public support in order to receive funding for their construction. PlaNYC’s target of increasing park access is also supplemented with objectives that include improving the quality of existing open space and providing additional athletic options in neighborhoods. This project should fit in closely

LONG ISLAND CITY

enough with the comprehensive plan’s goals to garner support of city council and the parks department. Public support from the community, local businesses, and non-profit organizations should help strengthen support and overcome hurdles such as gaining access and control of the site from departments currently using the area such as the port authority. The implementation phase of the sk atepar k should start with the local community through the establishment of a non-profit friends of the park group that would begin to organize gathering public input, fundraising, and support. The second group to look to for support would the LIC cultural alliance and local businesses. After this support is gained the implementation of the new skate park can be conducted through a private developer. For funding, there are a number of grants and foundations that would contribute financial support for athletic activity and more that focus on specific activities such as skateboarding. There are also funding sources available for public arts projects. Supporting local businesses could contribute inkind donations and grass roots. The city parks foundation provides small grants for arts and athletic programming in parks as well as resources for managing these programs. The New York Community Trust also provides grants and issues RFPs for projects that strengthen livability, equity, and arts programs. The combination of arts and athletics, and the specific presence of the Arts Alliance, foundations that support parts, and niche non-profits that support skateboarding should help provide additional funding, expertise, and grants for the project.

Figure 5.69: Artist Activity

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PHASING & COST ESTIMATION

Corridor Improvements (3)

TR EE T E

MAN SKILL

UE AVEN

ER S

PO IN

TA VE N

EXPR ES

Sunnyside SWAY

Calvary Cemetery

ER S

PO IN

TA VE N

Calvary Cemetery

Brooklyn

2030

Phase 1 of Queensbridge Renovation

2040

Phase 2 of Queensbridge Renovation

Phase 3 of Queensbridge Renovation

Relocation to IBZ

Under-Bridge Development

Nodes Improvements (3) VISION PLAN

CBD Park

N AV SO CK

SDOC & GOALS

New Residential and Arts/ Industrial Zoning

EXISTING CONDITIONS

INTEGRATED

21 S

D HU

IDGE

Sunnyside SWAY

2020

Waterfront Development

IVE

LONG ISLAN D

Brooklyn

LIVABLE

BLV Plaz a St ate

EXPR ES

Calvary Cemetery

2015

ON VE RN

BLVD

REET N

5 ST

11 ST

VERN ON

Park

SKI BR

TA VE N

Brooklyn

CONNECTED

lan d ve

TR EE T 21 S UE AVEN MAN SKILL

Gantr y

PO IN

38 AV EN

PULA

ER S

LONG ISLAN D

IDGE

44 DR M ID

PULA

IDG

Qu ee ns Pa brid rk ge

os e

ve Ro

N AV SO CK

SKI BR

Plaz a St ate

IDGE

Sunnyside SWAY

SKI BR

Gantr y

EXPR ES

Gantr y

Plaz a St ate

LONG ISLAN D

ON VE RN

BLVD

REET N

5 ST

IVE

Park

Midtown East

BLV

21 S

D BLV

T EE

TR 10 S

VE RN

BLVD

REET

REET 11 ST

5 ST

VERN ON

Park

UE AVEN MAN SKILL

BO R

VD BL

EN S

S EN

44 DR M ID

Astoria

E QU

IVE

N AV SO CK

38 AV EN

VD BL

S EN

IDG

E QU

Midtown East

VD BL

S EN

BO R

E QU

44 DR

EN S

Qu ee ns Pa brid rk ge

38 AV EN

Midtown East

M ID

11 ST

IDG

0.5 Miles

QU E

VERN ON

TR EE T

0.25

os e

ve os e Ro BO R

QU E

Qu ee ns Pa brid rk ge

EN S

0.125

INTRODUCTION

QU E

Astoria

lt Is

0.5 Miles

10 S

0.25

REET

0.125

lan d

Astoria

lt Is

10 S

0.5 Miles

REET

0.25

lan d

0.125

lt Is

Project

Waterfront Development

Queensbridge Houses Renovation

All Corridors

All Nodes

CBD Park

10th & 11th Intersection

Skate Park

LED Lighting

Total

Cost (Million Dollar)

191

2.4

1.5

1.2

0.2

295.3

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX Themes

Livable

Integrated

Connected

LONG ISLAND CITY

Strategic Activity

Initiator >Agent >Subject

Funding

Theory of Change

Project: Re-develop the Queensbridge Houses

NYCHA > Contractor > Residents of Affordable Housing

Hope VI, Low Income Housing Tax Credits

Provide quality affordable housing in an area that is seeing an influx of luxury housing

Program: Capital Investment Program for redevelopment of Queensboro Park

NYCHA > NYC Parks Department> Residents of LIC

Hope VI, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, City Budget for Affordable Housing

A new park will be a positive sign to the residents of Queensbridge and will hpefully increase social connections and bring others to the park

Project: Construct new Mixed-Income Housing Development at Waterfront Partnership: NYCHA and ConED

NYCHA > ConED/Contractor > Residents of LIC

Private Developer, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Parking Fees

Provide quality affordable housing in an area that is seeing an influx of luxury housing

Project: Develop green infrastructure around the neighborhood

LICP > NYDEP > Residents of LIC

NYDEP Green Infrastructure Grant

Protect neighborhood from flooding

Policy: Rezone from M1-4 to M1-5

Planning Department > City Council > Industrial Businesses

N/A

Increases the FAR from 2.0 to 5.0, places stricter performance standards on activity, and creates eligibility for JLWQ designation.

Policy: Expand JLWQ designation to LIC

Planning Department > City Council > Industrial Businesses

N/A

Allows for residential conversion of space for artists.

Policy: Expand REAP tax incentive to LIC

Planning Department > City Council > Industrial Businesses

Funded through increased tax revenue from JLWQ and retention of manufacturing jobs in the area

Tax incentives to retain quality manufacturing jobs within the neighborhood that may relocate as a result of the other changes.

Project: Streetscape improvement for 44th Drive and Vernon Blvd intersection

Planning Department > NYC DOT > Pedestrians & Cyclists

Business Improvement District

Improve pedestrian access to intersection and attract development

Project: Bike lane for 44th Drive and Vernon Blvd intersection

Planning Department > NYC DOT > Pedesitrians & Cyclists

Business Improvement District

Improve bike access to intersection and attract development

Project: Extend park located in median of 44th Drive and Vernon Boulevard

Planning Department > NYC Parks > Pedestrians

Business Improvement District

Parks will help encourage recreation and attract development

Policy: Rezone lots surrounding 44th Drive and Vernon Blvd intersection as a higher FAR

Planning Department > City Council > Pedesitrians and Drivers

N/A

Higher FAR will increase the attractiveness of the site for development

Project: Streetscaping improvements on all major corridors

NYC DOT > Car Users/ Bikers/ Pedestrians

Business Improvement District

Streetscaping will improve spatial experience for businesses, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists which will activate formerly disengaged spaces

Project: Reroute traffic on Jackson Ave and Vernon Blvd

NYC DOT > Car Users

Business Improvement District

Rerouting traffic will encourage people to travel along corridors and cross phisical barriers

Program: Rezone the area into mixed-use commercial and residential with the first floor as retail

City Concil > Planning Department > Developers

N/A

Developers will provide commercial and residential buildings at most profitable ratio

Policy: Set higher FAR for all three corridors

City Concil > Planning Department > Developers

N/A

Higher FAR will allow for higher density of development along major corridors and will concentrate economic activity on corridors

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX (CONT.) Themes

Initiator >Agent >Subject

Funding

Theory of Change Continue to associate LIC with arts and cultural institutions to promote LIC's overall reputation and attract development and people

Project: Make corridors pedestrian friendly

NYC DOT > Pedestrians

Business Improvement District

Improving pedestrian friendliness retail environment will encourage allow for increase shopping activity

Program/Partnership: Expand the BID along the corridors (Jackson Ave & Queens Blvd)

NYCEDC > LIC Partnership > residents/ business owners/ clients

N/A

Coordinated store hours and strategicmanagement will make the corridors attractive to better retailers

Program: Establish form-based codes to improve the forms of buildings along the corridor and preserve historical buildings

Planning Department >Developers > Current and potential shoppers

N/A

Better building forms will attact higher quality retailers and developers

Project: Dutch Kill Green expansion into the CBD park to attract residents throught the neighborhood

NYC Planning > NYC Parks > Residents

Parks Grant Programs, Parks Budget, Business Improvement District

Its central location in CBD will bring residents of all social levels and increase social interactions

Partnership: Work with Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) for approval on the following proposed actions

City Council > Dept. of City Planning > LPC

N/A

Appropriate actions will be approved with support of feasibility study and evaluation report

Project: New intersections at 10th and 11th street

City Council > Dept. of Public Works & Dept. of Transportation > pedestrians/car users/bikers

NYCDOT Budget

10 and 11 are two streets that directly connect Queensbridge housing neiborhood to the south (including placement area); break up the barrier of the bridge and turn them into intersections will enable residents to reach out to the other part of LIC more conveniently

Project: Streetscape improvement and traffic signal system redesign in under bridge intersections

City Council > Dept. of Public Works & Dept. of Transportation > pedestrians/car users/bikers

NYCDOT Budget

More pleasant streetscape and easy-to-navigate signal system will attract more street users and prepare for future programming

Project: capital investment to improve three parks at waterfront, the existing baby park site, and CBD area

Dept of Parks & Recreation > Contractor > residents

Dept of Parks and Recreation Budget

Renovations on existing park spaces will provide high quality recreational options for different groups - residents (nearby and from farther area in LIC), tourists, and people who work in CBD. Queensbridge park will also serve to control flood

Project: Capital investment programs to establish and maintain a skate park between Vernon and 10th Street

Dept. of Public Work > Contractor > Local residents

Dept of Parks and Recreation Budget

The skate park will serve local residents and increase the attractiveness of the place

Program: Small business services to help establish business in designated underbridge area

Dept. of Planning/Small Business Services (SBS) > Contractor > retailers/customers

Funded through long term leasing to a private developer partnership

Small underbridge retail stores will serve as a destination for people on the road and who are using other underbridge services (such as parks and parking lot). It will also provide eyes on the street and breaks for the long crosswy and make it safer and easier to use the intersection

Partnership: Temporary projects or installations with artists, NGOs, NPOs

City Council > Dept. of Planning > Artists/NGOs/ NPOs

Cultural Grants, Grassroots Funding, LIC Cultural Alliance

Working with artists and placemaking NGO/NPO and designing temporary projects and activities (esp. art activities) will bring new attractions into the area and cater different types of people, enabling the area to be a multi-destination for different groups.

APPENDIX

THE CORNERSTONE OF QUEENS

VISION PLAN

Community Fundraising

SDOC & GOALS

NYCEDC > LIC Cultural Allience > Cultural/art institution owners

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Program/Partnership: Subsidize cultural/ art institutions

INTRODUCTION

Connected

Strategic Activity

APPENDIX WORKS CITED

INTRODUCTION “BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. United States. Housing & Economic Development. Housing New York: A Five-Borough, Ten-Year Plan. The City of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Web. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;. HISTORY “BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. Framework Recommendations. 2001. NYC Planning, New York City. Nyc.gov. Web. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/lic/ lic6agr.shtml>. Johnson, Karen. 2011. Karen Johnson - A Photographic Life, New York City. Karenjohnsonphotography.wordpress.com. Web. <https://karenjohnsonphotography.files.wordpress. com/2011/11/5pointz.jpg?w=774&h=506>. N.d. Greater Astoria Historical Society, New York City. Astoriahistory.smugmug.com/. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http:// astoriahistory.smugmug.com/GAHS-Books/The-East-River/ i-wbQM3sn/A>. N.d. Modern Spaces, New York City. Modernspacesnyc.com/. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http://s3.amazonaws.com/ms.prod/assets/ listing_photos/18153/t442x332/building.jpg>. Parry, Bill. "LIC to Be Rezoned for More Building Taking Onus off Sunnyside Railyards." TimesLedger. Times Ledger, 22 Jan. 2015. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. <http://www.timesledger.com/ stories/2015/4/liczoning_tl_2015_01_23_q.html>. Rosenberg, Eli. "How NYC's Decade of Rezoning Changed the City of Industry." Curbed NY. N.p., 16 Jan. 2014. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. <http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/16/how_nycs_ decade_of_rezoning_changed_the_city_of_industry.php>. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 1990-2000 U.S. Census Survey; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census. gov>;.

LONG ISLAND CITY

U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;. DEMOGRAPHICS “BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 1990-2000 U.S. Census Survey; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census. gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census.gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2012 County Business Patterns; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;. LAND USE AND ZONING “BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. Stapleton, Shannon. 2013. New York Times, New York City. Nytimes.com. Web. 10 July 2013. <http://static01.nyt.com/ images/2013/07/11/nyregion/11BLOCKS-3/11BLOCKS-3articleLarge.jpg>. N.d. SLCE Architects, LLP, New York City. Slcearch.com. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http://www.slcearch.com/wp-content/ uploads/2014/11/Queens-West-Parcel-III_31.jpg?189db0>. Framework Recommendations. 2001. NYC Planning, New York City. Nyc.gov. Web. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/lic/ lic6agr.shtml>. 2014. LIC Post, New York City. Licpost.com. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http:// licpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gotham.jpg>. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https://

www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;. TRANSPORTATION “BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. “Google Maps.” Google Maps, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http:// maps.google.com/>. Kalaf, Samer. “The MTA to Release More Bus-Tracking Capabilities So Less People Are Waiting at Their Stop Like Dumb Idiots.” ANIMAL, 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http:// animalnewyork.com/2013/the-mta-will-be-releasing-morebus-tracking-capabilities-so-less-people-are-waiting-attheir-stop-like-dumb-idiots/>. “Long Island City - Court Square Subway Station Entrance (G) - Wikimapia.” Wikimapia, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http:// wikimapia.org/27664030/Long-Island-City-Court-SquareSubway-Station-Entrance-G>. “NYC Open Data.” NYC Open Data, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https://data.cityofnewyork.us/>. Romalewski, Steven. “MTA Subway Data in GIS Format.” Spatiality, 08 July 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://spa tialityblog.com/2010/07/08/mta-gis-data-update/>. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 U.S. Census Survey; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census. gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; gen-erated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http:// factfinder2.census.gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2012 County Business Patterns; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;. “West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance.” WWBPA, n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. <http://wwbpa.org/category/ new-york-city/>.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

APPENDIX WORKS CITED

“BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. "About Us." General. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. "Mayor Bloomberg And Small Business Services Commissioner Walsh Present 12th Annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards." The Official Website of the City of New York. Office of the Mayor, n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. "Long Island City Partnership." General. Long Island City Partnership, n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. "Interested in Investing in Long Island CIty." (n.d.): n. pag. Danth. INC. Long Island City Business Development Corporation. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. "OnTheMap." OnTheMap. U.S.Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 U.S. Census Survey; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census. gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; gen-erated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http:// factfinder2.census.gov>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2012 County Business Patterns; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.census.gov/econ/cbp>;. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;.

PUBLIC AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

SCOD ANALYSIS & GOALS "Editor, Author at LICtalk - Page 9 of 34." LICtalk. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2015. Flickr. Yahoo!, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. "Google Maps." Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. "JetBlue Blog." BlueTales » JetBlue » The History of Iconic Landmarks in Long Island City. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2015. "Long Island City, Queens." Long Island City, Queens. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2015.

"Con Edison of New York." Con Edison of New York, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.coned.com/>. "Long Island City Cultural Alliance." Long Island City Cultural Alliance, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://licca.org/>. "Long Island City Partnership." Long Island City Partnership, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.licpartnership.org/>. "New York City Department of Transportation." NYCDOT, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/home/ home.shtml>. "New York State Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation." New York State Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://parks.ny.gov/>. "NYC Housing Authority." NYC Housing Authority, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nycha/index.page>. "NYC Industrial Business Zones." NYCEDC, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nycedc.com/industry/industrial/nyc-industrialbusiness-zones>. "NYC Zoning - Zoning Districts." NYC Zoning. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/zone/zh_ m1.shtml>. "SBS - Neighborhood Development - Business Improvement Districts." SBS, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/ html/sbs/html/neighborhood/bid.shtml>. "Welcome to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Homepage." NYCEP, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/home/home.shtml>. "Zoning - New York City Depar tment of City Planning." NYCPlanning, n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/subcats/zoning.shtml>.

APPENDIX

LONG ISLAND CITY

VISION PLAN

“BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. Cathcart, Colin et al. Long Island City: Connecting the Arts. New York: Design Trust for Public Space, 2006. Print. Design Trust for Public Space. “Connecting the Arts in Long Island City.” Design Trust for Public Space. N.p., 2006. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. Fajardo, Sarah. “The History and Renewal of Long Island City and Dutch Kills, Queens.” Untapped Cities. N.p., 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. Frost-Kumpf, Hilary Anne. Cultural Districts : The Arts As a Strategy for Revitalizing Our Cities. Americans for the Arts, 1998. Print. LIC Arts Open. “LIC Arts Open.” N.p., 2014. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. “Long Island City Artists - LICA.” Long Island City Artists - LICA. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. Ratiu, Dan Eugen. “Artistic Critique and Creativity: How Do Artists Play in the Social Change?” Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai LVI.nr.3 (2011): 27–49. Print. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010-2014 Tiger Files; generated by Evan Liew; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <https:// www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/tiger-line.html>;.

VISION PLAN

SDOC & GOALS

“BYTES of the BIG APPLE.” New York City Department of City Planning, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www. nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/bytes/applbyte.shtml>. Long Island City Rezoning: Executive Summary - updated October 2, 2001, NYC CITYPLANNING, <http://www.nyc.gov/ html/dcp/html/lic/lic1.shtml> Laura Kusisto, Queens Plaza Is Flush With Apartment Boom, The Wall Street Journal, 11/11/2011 <http://www.citi-habitats. com/real-estate-news/2011-11-11/Queens-Plaza-Is-FlushWith-Apartment-Boom/4239> U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2000-2010 U.S. Census Survey; using American FactFinder; Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://factfinder2.census.gov>;.

"MTP Parking." Parkwhiz. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 May 2015. "Radiator Arts | Radical Mediator for the Arts." Radiator Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. Rail Operations, Pennsylvania Railroad. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2015. "Sunnyside Yard." Learn and Talk about , Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ECONOMICS

INTRODUCTION

HOUSING