The Real Estate Board of New York to Queens Community Boards 1 and 2 on the One LIC Neighborhood Plan

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The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City’s leading real estate trade association representing commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, salespeople, and other organizations and individuals active in New York City real estate. REBNY appreciates the opportunity to provide comments to Queens Community Boards 1 and 2 in support of the One LIC Neighborhood Plan, N250177ZRQ.

REBNY supports the One LIC Neighborhood Plan as a critical step toward modernizing outdated zoning frameworks in a high-opportunity area that has seen increased population and job growth. The proposed plan unlocks substantial potential for housing development by updating land use regulations and implementing new tools created through City of Yes to reflect the evolving needs of Long Island City as a growing mixed-use neighborhood and regional employment hub.

By rezoning roughly 50 blocks, the plan lays the groundwork for the production of up to 14,000 new homes, which includes an estimated 3,500 affordable units through the application of Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH). It also expands opportunities for new commercial and industrial development, facilitating a dynamic mix of uses that can meet modern business demands, attract new investment, and support job creation.

Importantly, the plan seeks to create a continuous waterfront in Long Island City, a long overdue effort, which will connect the waterfront to Court Square and significantly improve the public realm. Moreover, the plan will allow for an “active recreation bonus,” which will help facilitate the creation of additional housing in the area while creating public realm spaces for residents to gather, play and relax in LIC.

The proposal includes dedicated City initiatives to complement the zoning changes, such as infrastructure improvements, public realm investments, and economic development strategies. The One LIC Plan reflects a pragmatic and thoughtful approach to fostering new housing, supporting modern industrial uses, and enhancing LIC’s role as a center of gravity for job growth and innovation.

REBNY commends the Department of City Planning and Council Member Julie Won for advancing this plan. As we confront a severe housing shortage and seek to revitalize underutilized areas, continued implementation of neighborhood rezonings like One LIC will be essential.

Thank you to the community board for hosting many of the engagement events and for considering these points in their deliberations.