The DRI program couples strategic planning with prompt implementation. Across the state DRI communities are paired with a consultant team and a project lead from the Department of State (DOS) who guide them through a targeted community-based planning process geared towards developing a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). For Long Island City, the consultant team is led by Metropolitan (MUD) Urban Design Workshop.
The DRI process and development of SIP broadly includes the following steps:
1/Local Planning Committee
For every winning DRI community the State establishes a Local Planning Committee (LPC), which is always lead by two co-chairs: a member of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), and in NYC, the local Borough President. For LIC the LPC co-chairs are Borough President Donovan Richards and Thomas Grech. The co-chairs represent the REDC and the Community and guide the LPC as it provides input and feedback on the consultant’s work and recommends the ultimate priority projects to the State.
The LIC Local Planning Committee (LPC) is comprised of local leaders, businesses, residents, organizations, and other community stakeholders. As the steering body of the process, the LPC meets monthly to brainstorm ideas, provide direction to the consultant team, review planning products, discuss potential projects, and prioritize actions. These meetings are open to the public and ten minutes at the end of each meeting is reserved for public comment. More information can be found on this website under the “MEETINGS” tab on the menu bar.
2/Public Engagement
The DRI process is meant to be transparent and inclusive. Throughout the planning process, the public is invited to proactively contribute ideas that guide the LPC, the State, and the consultant team in the development of the SIP. There are multiple ways for community members to be involved. Notices of LPC meetings, public workshops, local outreach activities, and other opportunities to provide input will be posted on this website and publicized through print, media, and online channels. Please check back regularly for updates. You may also reach out directly to the State and its consultants at: licdri2024@gmail.com
3/Visions, Goals, and Revitalization Strategies
Based on community input, the LPC develops a guiding framework including a community vision, action-oriented goals to support the vision, and measurable strategies to guide the implementation. These coordinated actions, objectives, and planning approach are the guiding framework for the SIP and for identifying Priority Projects.
4/Priority Projects
The DRI is unique in that communities identify their key transformative projects to advance their community vision and goals. These Priority Projects are intended to transform the physical environment of the DRI area’s downtown in ways that will benefit current residents and future generations. In some cases, they may also include non-capital projects that can lead to capital investment which in turn will revitalize the downtown. All Priority Projects need to fit within the DRI eligibility criteria and must be able to be implemented within a five-year window.
5/Strategic Investment Plan
Towards the end of the DRI process, consultants along with the LPC and State team prepare a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The SIP describes the unique challenges and opportunities for the revitalization of the DRI area, presents the community's vision for the future of the downtown, and proposes transformative Priority Projects that may be realized with an investment of DRI funds.
6/Implementation
Priority Projects from each community are evaluated by the State, which after its due diligence, identifies those projects best suited for DRI funding. Announcements on the funded projects are made by the Governor and/or Secretary of State. Once projects are announced, the State will enter into separate contracts with the different entities responsible for implementing each project. All State procurement procedures must be followed and DRI funding is provided on a reimbursable basis.
LPC Members
Donovan Richards, Queens
Borough President
Thomas Grech, REDC & Queens Chamber of Commerce
LPC Members
Kenneth Adams, LaGuardia Community College
Patricia Boccato, Dutch Kills Bar
Cynthia Davis, The Floating Hospital
Ellen Day, Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center
Justin Ginsburgh, JetBlue
Lee Gonzalez, The Local
Kenny Greenberg, Krypton Neon
Christopher Hanway, Jacob Riis Settlement
Corrine Haynes, Queensbridge TA
Prameet Kumar, Resident
Shih Lee, Sapps
Sheila Lewandowski, Chocolate Factory Theatre
Elliot Park, Shine Electronics
Laura Rothrock, LICP & LIC BID
Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Urban Upbound