City Council Approves Major Reszonings for Long Island City and Elmhurst, Queens, Boosting New Housing Supply Amid Growing Inequality Concerns.
The New York City Council has approved a significant rezoning plan in Long Island City, aimed at transforming the Queens neighborhood with over 15,000 new homes, including more than 4,000 affordable units. The move comes after another major rezoning plan for Jamaica, Queens, which is expected to bring an additional 12,000 new homes.
The OneLIC plan has been hailed by Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., who says it addresses the long-standing housing crisis in Long Island City and works towards creating a more equitable future for residents. "Long Island City continues to grow faster than any other community in the country," Richards said, "but for years that growth has pushed out longtime residents and exacerbated our worsening inequality and housing crises."
However, not everyone is optimistic about the rezoning plans. The approval of a smaller-scale rezoning in Elmhurst has been met with criticism from neighborhood residents who worry it will lead to gentrification and displacement.
Despite these concerns, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan represents the area as a proponent of the project, which includes 79 affordable units, a community center, and an ADA-compliant swimming pool. "Doing nothing in a housing crisis is not an option," he said, arguing that this development demonstrates how to do things differently for the public good.
Krishnan's office secured concessions from the developer, including deepened affordability provisions and additional community benefits. The project has also been supported by local organizations such as Commonpoint Queens, which will offer free swimming lessons and lifeguard training for neighborhood youth.
The new developments are seen as a response to Queens' dire housing situation, with a 0.88% vacancy rate. While some residents have expressed concerns about gentrification and displacement, Krishnan points to the need for more affordable housing options in the area.
"It's not just about building homes," he said, "it's about building communities."
The New York City Council has approved a significant rezoning plan in Long Island City, aimed at transforming the Queens neighborhood with over 15,000 new homes, including more than 4,000 affordable units. The move comes after another major rezoning plan for Jamaica, Queens, which is expected to bring an additional 12,000 new homes.
The OneLIC plan has been hailed by Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., who says it addresses the long-standing housing crisis in Long Island City and works towards creating a more equitable future for residents. "Long Island City continues to grow faster than any other community in the country," Richards said, "but for years that growth has pushed out longtime residents and exacerbated our worsening inequality and housing crises."
However, not everyone is optimistic about the rezoning plans. The approval of a smaller-scale rezoning in Elmhurst has been met with criticism from neighborhood residents who worry it will lead to gentrification and displacement.
Despite these concerns, Councilmember Shekar Krishnan represents the area as a proponent of the project, which includes 79 affordable units, a community center, and an ADA-compliant swimming pool. "Doing nothing in a housing crisis is not an option," he said, arguing that this development demonstrates how to do things differently for the public good.
Krishnan's office secured concessions from the developer, including deepened affordability provisions and additional community benefits. The project has also been supported by local organizations such as Commonpoint Queens, which will offer free swimming lessons and lifeguard training for neighborhood youth.
The new developments are seen as a response to Queens' dire housing situation, with a 0.88% vacancy rate. While some residents have expressed concerns about gentrification and displacement, Krishnan points to the need for more affordable housing options in the area.
"It's not just about building homes," he said, "it's about building communities."
but at the same time, 4k affordable units in Long Island City is a huge win for affordability - and if they're including free swimming lessons and lifeguard training for kids, that's some next-level community building 
. I'm all for addressing inequality, and if this rezoning plan does more to bring in low-income families than displace 'em, it'll be a major step forward 
The new rezoning plans in Long Island City and Elmhurst are a great step towards addressing Queens' growing housing crisis. We need more affordable units like those 4,000+ units promised in the OneLIC plan. It's crazy that LIC is growing faster than any other community, but for years it's pushed out long-time residents 
. The addition of an ADA-compliant swimming pool in Elmhurst sounds amazing too! 
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According to NYC Council records, 60% of new homes approved in Long Island City and Jamaica will be market-rate, while only 40% will be affordable. That's a huge opportunity for developers to pad their profits 
. But hey, at least we're building more than 27,000 new units 
! And let's be real, affordability provisions are just words on paper... what happens when the market heats up? 
Meanwhile, Elmhurst has 45% of its residents living below poverty level 
. I mean, who's counting the cost of gentrification? 
I've been living in Long Island City for years and it's already getting crazy expensive. The thought of even more new developments just makes me nervous 
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... have we considered the strain on our infrastructure? The transportation options? It feels like they're just throwing more people at the problem without thinking about how it'll actually be solved 
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nyc needs more inclusive spaces 4 all ppl n not just the wealthy 1% 
I'm kinda torn on this one... I mean, on paper it sounds like a good thing - all those new homes and affordable units? It's definitely needed for Queens which is struggling with low vacancy rates. But at the same time, gentrification is a huge concern here. Longtime residents are worried about losing their community and being priced out by newer, more expensive neighbors 
. I feel like we need to find that balance between growth and community preservation... or else it'll just be another NYC story of rich folks moving in while locals get pushed out 
. Maybe with the community center and free swimming lessons from Commonpoint Queens, it's a step in the right direction? 
The fact that Long Island City and Elmhurst are getting a major boost with new housing supply is super positive. 15k+ new homes will help address Queens' dire housing situation, which is 0.88% vacancy rate 
. Long Island City got some big shoes to fill with all these new homes comin in but they gotta make sure it's not just about makin cash and not enough about keepin it real for the locals 
i feel like they're trying to address the issue but we need more 
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. That's what we need more of - public good thinking 
. And it's so true, "doing nothing" in a housing crisis is not an option 
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. That would be a major bummer for low-income families trying to find a place to call home 
Let's hope it all comes together and we get some much-needed affordable housing options in our city!
. It's crazy that one area is growing faster than any other community in the country, pushing out longtime residents - we need more initiatives like this to create a fairer future