Long Island City's rezoning on the cusp of approval, sparking concerns over gentrification and displacement.
A massive land-use overhaul in Long Island City, Queens, is poised for city council approval on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in the neighborhood's future. The sweeping rezoning, dubbed OneLIC, would create nearly 15,000 new homes, joining with another recent Jamaica rezoning to fuel an ambitious housing agenda championed by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
The plan aims to integrate Long Island City as one cohesive unit, as Council Member Julie Won had envisioned three decades ago. However, critics argue that the current proposal falls short in ensuring affordable units for existing residents and local businesses. Community leaders like Jenny Dubnau from Western Queens Community Land Trust claim the rezoning would exacerbate gentrification, leading to a richer, whiter neighborhood at the expense of long-time Black and brown residents.
The impact on low-income families will be significant, with many residents concerned about displacement due to rising rents. Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston, an artist and activist in the neighborhood, fears that the plan would entrench social divisions between different income groups. He notes that even community events, like playing cards or dominoes, could become contentious when individuals from affluent backgrounds don't understand cultural nuances.
Despite these concerns, council approval of OneLIC would result in nearly $900 million in community benefits. Funding for public housing repairs and upgrades, new open spaces under the Queensboro Bridge, and two new elementary schools are among the allocations aimed at addressing growing pains in the neighborhood.
As the rezoning process nears completion, residents are left grappling with the potential consequences of OneLIC on their communities. Will the promised integration lead to revitalization, or will it accelerate gentrification? Only time will tell as Long Island City undergoes a transformative shift under the new zoning regulations.
A massive land-use overhaul in Long Island City, Queens, is poised for city council approval on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in the neighborhood's future. The sweeping rezoning, dubbed OneLIC, would create nearly 15,000 new homes, joining with another recent Jamaica rezoning to fuel an ambitious housing agenda championed by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
The plan aims to integrate Long Island City as one cohesive unit, as Council Member Julie Won had envisioned three decades ago. However, critics argue that the current proposal falls short in ensuring affordable units for existing residents and local businesses. Community leaders like Jenny Dubnau from Western Queens Community Land Trust claim the rezoning would exacerbate gentrification, leading to a richer, whiter neighborhood at the expense of long-time Black and brown residents.
The impact on low-income families will be significant, with many residents concerned about displacement due to rising rents. Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston, an artist and activist in the neighborhood, fears that the plan would entrench social divisions between different income groups. He notes that even community events, like playing cards or dominoes, could become contentious when individuals from affluent backgrounds don't understand cultural nuances.
Despite these concerns, council approval of OneLIC would result in nearly $900 million in community benefits. Funding for public housing repairs and upgrades, new open spaces under the Queensboro Bridge, and two new elementary schools are among the allocations aimed at addressing growing pains in the neighborhood.
As the rezoning process nears completion, residents are left grappling with the potential consequences of OneLIC on their communities. Will the promised integration lead to revitalization, or will it accelerate gentrification? Only time will tell as Long Island City undergoes a transformative shift under the new zoning regulations.
. Can't they just leave some spaces for actual community and culture instead of just throwing money at it? I mean, I get that affordable housing is an issue, but it's not like they're even trying to balance it out with incentives for existing residents or small businesses. It feels like they're just gonna push the old-timers out so some rich folks can move in 
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. I've been to dominoes nights at this one spot and it's literally just a bunch of people playing cards or whatever, but if affluent newcomers show up, suddenly everyone gets all upset? It's like, hello, we're just trying to have some fun here! Can't they just try to understand the culture instead of judging us for not being 'sophisticated' enough?
. We need some real input from actual community members before we just go ahead and greenlight it. This feels like a recipe for disaster, gentrification-wise...
. I mean, on one hand, 15,000 new homes sound like a dream come true for people looking to move there, but on the other hand, it's gonna be super hard for the existing residents who've lived there for years and can't afford the rising rents 
. I've heard from friends who are already seeing their rent prices skyrocket, it's just not fair. And what about the community events that bring everyone together? If affluent people start moving in and don't understand the local culture, it could get really tense 
. But at the same time, the $900 million in community benefits sounds like a game-changer for the area 
. I just wish they could find a way to balance out the pros and cons and make sure everyone's voice is heard 
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. But on the other hand, I think it's hard to ignore the concerns about gentrification and displacement. The fact that community leaders are worried about affordable units for existing residents and local businesses doesn't bode well for long-time Black and brown residents 
. But at the same time, I do think there's something to be said for the integration and revitalization of a community - especially if we can make sure that everyone has access to the benefits 
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. Like, don't get me wrong, more affordable housing is def a good thing, but at what cost? These community leaders are right to sound the alarm about gentrification and displacement 
. I've got friends who live there and they're already seeing prices rise like crazy 
The good thing is that there are people like Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston who care deeply about preserving the neighborhood's culture and social fabric. I hope council members take his concerns seriously and find a way to balance progress with protecting existing residents. 
It's all about striking a fair middle ground, you know?
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The fact that community leaders are already sounding the alarm on gentrification is not a coincidence, imo. 
they'll be priced outta their own neighborhoods if affordable housing is scarce, and I feel for Jenny Dubnau and Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston they're trying to protect the community from gentrification 
. The new developments might bring in some cash, but at what cost? 
. I get why the city wants to gentrify and make money, but what about the people who've been living there for years? Don't they deserve a say in how their own neighborhood is changed?
. I guess that's just part of growing up and changing neighborhoods, but still, it's not something to be taken lightly.
. We need to make sure everyone benefits from this rezoning, not just the wealthy folks who are moving in 
. If this happens in Long Island City, it's not fair to all those families who have been living there for years.
. What about all the small businesses and artists who call this place home? Won't they be priced out too?
it's like, what about the community events and stuff? ain't nobody got time for none of that drama 
. anywayz, let's hope the city council gets it together and makes sure these low-income fams are taken care of 