Community Priority Projects Recommended by LPC for DRI Funding

At the end of a six-month planning effort between May - October 2024, the LIC Local Planning Committee (LPC) has recommended a slate of twelve Community Priority Projects for DRI funding. These projects are intended to transform the physical environment of downtown Long Island City in ways that will benefit current and future generations of residents, students, businesses and workers. The projects that will be included in the Strategic Investment Plan for State funding consideration are listed below.

1. Redevelop Industrial Building into a Multipurpose Performing Arts Theater and Community Center

2. Renovate Flux Factory’s Artist Residency and Exhibition Space

3. Enhance the 12th Street Pedestrian Plaza

4. Redevelop the Metropolitan Building into a Creative Hub

5. Construct the Underline Open Space at Dutch Kills

6. Renovate and Connect SculptureCenter to the Underline

7. Renovate Information Technology High School’s Gymnasium

8. Convert 29th Street into a Greenway

9. Reconstruct the 46th Avenue Pedestrian Plaza

10. Construct the Queens Public Library’s New Court Square Branch

11. Implement “Green and Clean LIC” Beautification Upgrades

12. Build LIC’s Identity Through a Placemaking and Public Art Fund

Pipeline or Supporting Projects

The LPC has recommended the inclusion of the following projects in the Strategic Investment Plan as supporting or pipeline projects. While not recommended for DRI funding, they are consistent with the goals of DRI, and the Long Island City community’s vision for the future of their downtown.

A. Restore the Original 1911 Facade of the Brewster Building and Improve Pedestrian Experience

B. Construct a Pedestrian Plaza at Dutch Kills Street

C. Remove the Dilapidated “Water’s Edge” Barge at the 44th Drive Pier

D. Build a Community Arts Venue at Culture Lab LIC

E. Revitalize Green Infrastructure at Smiling Hogshead Ranch

Project Development - June to October 2024

Following initial feasibility evaluation, the twenty five projects received through open call were narrowed down to a total of seventeen projects. The projects that are now under consideration for inclusion in the SIP can be found at the link below.

View Project Proposals

Image Credit: MUD Workshop

Additional Information

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration projects must:

Be a capital project, e.g. new development and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings, public space improvements, signage or branding projects, façade enhancements etc. Proposals for planning studies or ongoing operating costs e.g. staff expenses, are not eligible for this grant.
Have a project sponsor who can lead the planning and implementation, enter into a contract agreement with the DOS, and has the ability to cover project costs while awaiting reimbursement from DOS.
Demonstrate control of the project site, either by the project sponsor or a partnering entity, and support from any required private partners or government agencies. This includes support from the relevant City or State agencies for projects that involve publicly owned land and right-of-way.
Have a defined scope and budget based on professional plans or estimates from comparable projects. The budget should demonstrate that the proposed project would be fully funded once funds requested through DRI grant are taken into account
Demonstrate that it will contribute to the economic revitalization of the Long Island City DRI area, support affordability, support area businesses, including projects that create or retain jobs, improve quality of life, activate public spaces, and achieve climate goals.

Types of Projects:

Public Improvement Projects

These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown.

New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Building

Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for profit, or public uses. All projects should be capital investments or should lead to capital investments. They should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community.

Small Project Fund

A locally managed matching small project fund may be proposed to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, or public art. Funds are capped at $1,000,000 for the NYC DRI community.

Branding and Marketing

Examples include downtown branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop materials and signage. Ongoing operational costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible for DRI funding.

Non-Eligible Projects:

Planning Activities

Following the preparation of the Strategic Investment Plan, all DRI funds must be used for projects that directly implement the plan.

Operations and Maintenance

DRI funds cannot be used for on-going or routine expenses, such as staff salaries and wages, rent, utilities, and property upkeep.

Pre-Award Costs

Reimbursement for costs incurred before the completion of the Strategic Investment Plan and the announcement of funding awards is not permitted.

Property Acquisition

The cost of property acquisition can be included in the overall project budget, but the acquisition must be funded by another funding source.

Training and Other Program Expenses

The DRI program is a one-time infusion of funds and cannot be used to cover continuous costs, such as training costs and expensed related to existing programs.

Expenses Related to Existing Programs

DRI funds cannot be used to supplement existing programs or replace existing resources.

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