Call for Projects

Image Credit: MUD Workshop

As part of the Long Island City DRI process the community will identify transformative projects that may be realized with an investment from the DRI. With limited exception, DRI funds are to be used for capital projects that will transform the physical environment of the downtown in ways that will benefit current residents and future generations.

The DRI provides an opportunity for stakeholders, businesses, and community organizations to submit projects that will be considered by the Local Planning Committee (LPC) for inclusion in the DRI Strategic Investment Plan. Projects should advance the community’s vision for Long Island City's downtown and leverage additional public and/or private investment.

Prospective applicants are required to demonstrate their preparedness and ability to both identify and execute a completed and eligible project. These projects should work towards a collective goal of successfully achieving the community vision.

The DRI program is a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods where the current and next generation of communities will want to live, work, learn, and play. Funds from the DRI program can be used as gap funding for eligible capital projects.

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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