Funded through New York State’s CFA Program and with Support Secured by State Senator Kristen
Gonzalez, the Study Aims to Enhance the Pedestrian Experience Along a Key LIC Corridor
Long Island City, Queens — The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is pleased to announce the launch of
the Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue Mobility Study, the first in-depth planning and public realm
analysis of this corridor in more than a decade. This timely initiative comes as Long Island City
experiences a period of transformative growth. It is now the fastest-growing community in the United
States, driven by new mixed-use developments that are reshaping the neighborhood.
The project is supported by $100,000 in funding from the New York State Consolidated Funding
Application (CFA) process through the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), along with an
additional $40,000 in support secured by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez. Together, these public
investments reflect a strong commitment to improving infrastructure and livability in western Queens.
The study’s core goal is to develop strategies that enhance the pedestrian experience along Queens
Plaza and Jackson Avenue, making the corridor safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for residents,
workers, visitors, and businesses. The analysis will also consider multimodal access, street design, public
space improvements, and infrastructure needs. The corridor is a critical gateway into western Queens
and a vital hub for transit access, commercial activity, and neighborhood connectivity.
The study will be led by a consultant team including TYLin (lead), WXY (a NYS-certified MWBE firm),
and Street Plans, who bring extensive experience in transportation planning, design, and public
engagement. As part of the process, LICP will host a virtual public focus group on Tuesday, November 5
from 6:30 to 8:30 PM to gather community input and feedback on mobility challenges and opportunities
along the corridor.
To RSVP, please visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rbE6JG5XSKSIsIDRpAAY6g
Findings from the study will culminate in a final report, expected in early 2026, with actionable
recommendations that will guide advocacy with NYC DOT and other agencies for future capital
investment. The LICP has a long history of collaborating with NYC DOT on projects that enhance safety,
access, and beautification in LIC and looks forward to continuing that partnership to advance
improvements informed by this study.
“Queens deserves safe, walkable streets that reflect the needs of the people who live, work and visit
here. I’m proud to have helped secure funding for the Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue Mobility Study,
which is a critical first step toward advancing future infrastructure investments along one of western
Queens’ most vital corridors and a key connector within my district,” said State Senator Kristen
Gonzalez.
“The formerly commercial and industrial Court Square area of Long Island City must transform to meet
the needs of the growing residential neighborhood. I look forward to the outcomes of the Mobility Study
of Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue funded by the State to make Court Square an even better place to
work and live,” said Council Member Julie Won.
“Public space isn’t a luxury—it’s what makes New York City feel like home, and here at NYC DOT, we
believe our streets should work for everyone. We appreciate the continued leadership of the Long Island
City Partnership in making strong investments in making our streets safer, and we look forward
reviewing the recommendations that come out of the Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue Mobility
Study,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
“Long Island City has experienced tremendous growth and change over the past decade, and this study
comes at a pivotal moment for our community. The Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue Mobility Study is
an opportunity to take a closer look at how people experience our streets every day and to plan for a
safer, more connected, and more welcoming public realm. We’re proud to lead this effort with support
from our public partners and consultant team, and with input from the people who make Long Island
City thrive,” said Laura Rothrock, President, Long Island City Partnership.
“JetBlue is proud to support efforts that make Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue more walkable and
more welcoming for everyone. As a major employer in Long Island City, we’ve long advocated for
pedestrian-friendly improvements, and we’re excited to see this Mobility Study take a big step toward
making that vision a reality,” said Justin Ginsburgh, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Properties and
Development.
“We’re thrilled to be working with the Long Island City Partnership and community stakeholders to help
envision an improved public realm along Queens Plaza and Jackson Avenue. Through community input
and collaboration, this initiative will help lay the foundation for future public realm upgrades in one of
New York’s fastest-growing mixed-use neighborhoods, with the goal of creating truly people-centered
streets,” said Lian Farhi, Senior Associate + Director of Planning and Urban Design, TYLin.
“This study is a chance to listen closely to how people move, gather, and connect, then shape streets
that respond in kind. When we put pedestrians and public space first, we’re putting the community first.
That’s really what can define a healthy, adaptable neighborhood,” said Claire Weisz, Founding Principal,
WXY.
Media Contact:
Charles Yu
Vice President, Economic Development
[email protected]
