The Call for Projects was open from Jun 13, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024. Thank you for your submissions.  


Renovate Information Technology High School’s Gymnasium
Renovate Artist Residency and Exhibition Space at Flux Factory



LIC DRI Community Vision and Goals

LIC DRI Vision

LIC will continue to grow and evolve as a diverse, mixed-use neighborhood that supports its existing community and businesses. New open spaces, streetscape improvements, and pedestrian amenities will better connect the neighborhood and make it a safe, walkable and resilient community. Investments and support for local businesses and the arts will ensure LIC’s vibrant cultural, industrial and small business economies can all co-exist and flourish.



Theme 1/ Open Spaces



Improve access to LIC’s waterfront parks from upland neighborhoods, and build new resilient parks, plazas and open spaces throughout the community. 

  1. Improve access to the waterfront by alleviating truck congestions, sidewalk parking and poor pedestrian conditions, especially on 44th Drive and Queens Plaza.

  2. Where possible, reclaim street right-of-way and areas under elevated transportation infrastructure for public open space.

  3. Provide a range of amenities and expand programming opportunities for all ages within new and existing open spaces.

  4. Invest in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and increase green spaces.
 

Theme 2/ Pedestrian Environments


Improve pedestrian environment and connect LIC neighborhoods and destinations.

  1. Implement traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures including pedestrian bump-outs, traffic medians, additional crosswalks, landscaping, seating, and lighting especially along Jackson Avenue, Vernon Boulevard, 21st Street and 11th Street.

  2. Make streets within the IBZ(s) pedestrian friendly through pedestrian signage, tree planting, and improved crosswalks.

  3. Address conflicts along the Dutch Kills Greenway to ensure the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians.

  4. Transform Queens Plaza South and 44th Drive into key connector routes by enhancing pedestrian walkways with landscaping and public amenities.


Theme 3/ Arts and Culture



Support and expand LIC’s arts and cultural offerings and increase their visibility.

  1. Promote existing cultural attractions and neighborhood identity by commissioning local artists to create murals on building façades and art installations in parks, plazas and along local streets.

  2. Highlight local cultural destinations by adding signage and route maps within major transit stations and bus stops.

  3. Connect cultural destinations using signage, wayfinding and other creative measures.

  4. Support existing cultural attractions to stay in the neighborhood and attract new ones through capital investments in permanent spaces and equipment.

  5. Create opportunities to activate public space through arts and performances


Theme 4/ Recreation and Community Amenities




Expand and improve access to recreation and community amenities.

  1. Encourage the development of indoor recreational and community amenities that are affordable and open to residents and workers.

  2. Expand community amenities through investments in libraries and community centers.

  3. Include spaces for both team sports and individual exercise equipment in new and existing public open spaces.

  4. Increase the number of community dog parks/runs.

  5. Invest in existing and new active public spaces that can support both sports and arts programming.


Theme 5/ Local Economy



Retain and foster LIC’s vibrant economy through increased visibility and support for local businesses and industries.

  1. Support the establishment of economic incubators and shared office, tech and fabrication spaces in IBZs.

  2. Develop attractive public spaces and plazas that serve the local workforce and provide spaces of respite during lunch breaks and after office hours.

  3. Encourage mixed-use projects that combine affordable residential, commercial, retail, cultural, and/or light industrial uses where appropriate.

  4. Support long-standing existing businesses by making capital investments that allow them to remain in the community.

  5. Attract new businesses that complement the existing small business and industries ecosystem through marketing and capital investments in the public realm.


    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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