Neighbors want infrastructure improvements included in rezoning proposals
LONG ISLAND CITY, Queens (PIX11) -- In some neighborhoods, storms flood streets and homes.
In Queens, people are speaking up and showing videos of flooding to make sure projects reach their blocks.
OneLIC is a major rezoning plan currently under public review.
NYC City Council Member Julie Won represents Long Island City, and she is taking the issue all the way to the end.
"We have made sewer and plumbing infrastructure and resiliency waterfront funding a top priority. Without that funding, it would be a no vote for me. My council colleagues support me," Councilmember Won said.
Major rezoning, housing, and infrastructure projects are being discussed in 5 neighborhoods: LIC, Atlantic Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, Midtown South, and the four Bronx areas with new Metro-North Stations.
In Long Island City, the public review is wrapping up with two Community Board votes this week. City Planning moved it ahead earlier in the spring.
Melissa Halka lives in Long Island City along a corridor that floods. She would like to see the city provide incentives for improvements along blocks.
"Every time it rains, we’re on edge," she says.
OneLIC is designed to update outdated zoning, expand access to the waterfront, build affordable housing, and upgrade infrastructure.
A 2-year-long community engagement process is wrapping up this summer. The neighbors are demanding specific sewer, plumbing improvements, and suggesting any new building would have to include developer-funded upgrades.
City Council member Julie Won has some dollar figures and specific projects in mind based on previous rezoning ideas.
"At the time, they committed $95 million. We want that commitment and more to make sure everything can handle the densities going up," she said.
The Adams administration has said it will continue to coordinate with other city agencies, New York City Councilmember Won, and the Long Island City community to find other opportunities for investment during public review, to ensure that the Adams administration is meeting the needs of current and future residents.
Housing and affordable housing numbers are a part of the plans.
The city believes the projects will build tens of thousands of homes and invest billions in infrastructure.