Testimony in Support of LIC Neighborhood Plan

August 12, 2024

To: New York City Department of City Planning,

Re: Support for the Long Island City Neighborhood Plan

Good afternoon, my name is Carlo Casa the Director of Policy and Research at the New York
Building Congress, thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

The Building Congress represents over 500 constituent organizations and over 250,000
skilled tradespeople and professionals dedicated to the growth and prosperity of our city.
We express our strong support for the purpose and need of the Long Island City
Neighborhood Plan.

The LIC Neighborhood Plan brings with it substantial benefits to the community and is
informed by the public from over three rounds of focus meetings and two town halls. We
applaud DCP’s commitment to public feedback and look forward to continued community
input in the future.

Allowing the construction of 14,000 new, mixed-income housing units not only meets the
urgent need for affordable housing, but also capitalizes on the tremendous growth Long
Island City has witnessed over the last two decades. Housing development in Long Island
City has already proved an incredible economic success story, and further growth promises
to do the same. This plan will create good paying jobs for New Yorkers and support local
businesses.

Additionally, the commitment to incorporate Mandatory Inclusionary Housing in these
areas ensures that Long Island City will continue to be accessible to a wide range of
residents and families at all income levels.

We welcome the essential infrastructure and community investments included in this
proposal. The updates to the sewer system, century-old roadway network, new schools,
new waterfront space, and subway stations are key to supporting a bright and lasting
economic future for Long Island City.

This is a forward-thinking approach that will use zoning as a tool to enhance the quality of
life in Long Island City, create new jobs, bring in new businesses, and promote a thriving,
well-connected community.

Let’s not miss this opportunity to support an even better future for Long Island City and its
residents.

Thank you for your consideration.