The New York City government is seeking to redevelop a piece of land in Long Island City that was originally designated for Amazon’s second headquarters development project, which fell through in 2019 due to political controversies. The Adams administration is now restarting the development project, aiming to unlock the potential of the land and meet the growing demand from local residents for housing and commercial spaces.
The plot of land is located at 44-36 Vernon Blvd, near the historic and culturally significant Anable Basin artificial waterway on the East River, which includes a massive 672,000 square foot warehouse managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). On January 31, the city government issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting developers to submit proposals exploring the feasibility of various uses including residential, commercial, and community facilities.
The city government plans to construct 14,000 housing units in Long Island City, therefore requiring development projects to prioritize affordable housing, sustainable design, and accessibility to transportation. Additionally, the government also hopes the area can provide space for innovative industries to attract technology, manufacturing, and creative sectors, fostering local economic growth.
In 2018, Amazon announced its intention to establish a second headquarters in Long Island City, expecting to create 25,000 job opportunities and receive tax incentives of up to $3 billion from the state and city. However, the project faced opposition from local communities, some political figures, and unions, leading to Amazon canceling the plan in February 2019 and leaving this prime location vacant to this day.
As one of the fastest-growing communities in New York City, Long Island City has attracted significant real estate investments and tech companies in recent years, with substantial residential construction projects underway. The city government’s decision to reignite development efforts is aimed at unlocking the area’s potential and meeting the local residents’ needs for housing and job opportunities.
Currently, the city government is reviewing development proposals, with preliminary plans expected to be finalized by the end of this year, followed by the necessary land approval processes and community consultation procedures.