City Commits $180 Million to Update LIC Infrastructure

The city will devote portion of the $180 million Long Island City Strategic Plan to improve Queensbridge Park. Photo by NYC Parks.

By David Brand

Long Island City keeps on growing and the city wants to make sure that growth includes everyone.

On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $180 million Long Island City Investment Strategy, which the city said is “a comprehensive approach to support sustainable growth. The money will pay for improvements to schools, transportation and parks.

“The Long Island City Investment Strategy brings improvements in community infrastructure to a neighborhood that has experienced rapid growth,” De Blasio said in a statement. “We are investing $180 million in Long Island City to address the needs of today while preparing for a more sustainable future.”

Under the plan, the city’s Department of Environmental Protection will devote $95 million to improve sewers and water main systems for improvements to Western Queens sewer system and water mains.

The city will allocate $10 million to fund Hunter’s Point Street reconstruction and $15 million to improve parks at Queensbridge Baby Park, Old Hickory Playground, Tunnel Park and Court Square.

“I'm so glad that funding is being allocated to restore our Beloved Baby Park. Baby Park used to be a positive and safe place for Parents and their Toddlers to enjoy swings, games, and space to run and play,” said Queensbridge Tenant Association President April Simpson.”This is so important to the Queensbridge Community, who have been waiting for this opportunity to restore Baby Park.”