OneLIC DEIS Summarized

A section-by-section guide to the environmental, social, and infrastructure impacts of the OneLIC plan

The OneLIC plan has officially been certified for public review, initiating the ULURP process for the rezoning. With this certification comes the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), a comprehensive analysis of how proposed zoning changes and development actions would affect our environment, infrastructure, community services, and quality of life. The entire DEIS is approximately 1,200 pages even before its appendices, about the length of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. I’ve compiled all the files of the DEIS in Dropbox folder here. In this post, with the help of generative AI (and my own copious editing), I’ll summarize all the sections of the DEIS. I’ll keep this post simply factual; future posts will contain some of my own opinions and analysis on what the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) has published.

0. Executive Summary

The Executive Summary of the LIC Neighborhood Plan DEIS describes DCP’s proposal for a series of land use actions to implement a long-term vision of LIC as a transit-rich, culturally vibrant, and resilient mixed-use neighborhood. Covering an approximately 54-block area along the East River waterfront and adjacent manufacturing zones, the plan aims to create around 14,699 new dwelling units—including 3,245 to 4,867 affordable units—alongside over 3.4 million square feet of commercial space and nearly 292,000 square feet of community facilities​. It supports housing growth, job creation, expanded open spaces, improved connectivity, and climate resilience. Developed with community input beginning in 2023, the plan intends to leverage LIC’s location and infrastructure to transform it into Western Queens’ leading employment and residential hub while protecting existing affordable housing​.

1. Project Description

The "Project Description" section explains that the LIC Neighborhood Plan proposes a major rezoning and land use action across about 54 blocks in Queens, focusing on transforming underutilized waterfront and industrial areas into a vibrant, transit-oriented, mixed-use community. The plan includes zoning map changes, zoning text amendments, designation of Urban Development Action Areas (UDAA), approval of Urban Development Action Area Projects (UDAAP), city property dispositions, and changes to the City Map to allow for new public streets. The project anticipates adding approximately 14,699 new housing units, with 3,245 to 4,867 affordable units, plus over 3.4 million square feet of commercial space, and nearly 292,000 square feet of community facility space​.

It also outlines the planning context, citing past efforts and ongoing citywide initiatives like “Housing Our Neighbors” and “City of Yes” that align with this proposal. Importantly, it discusses the environmental review process (CEQR) and public review (ULURP) required before implementation. The plan emphasizes climate resilience, job creation, preservation of existing affordable housing, and improving waterfront access. The section details a “Reasonable Worst Case Development Scenario” to account for environmental impacts and introduces the structure of the overall environmental review that follows in the DEIS​.

2. Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy

The "Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy" section evaluates the existing land use patterns and zoning designations in the project’s primary and secondary study areas, covering the waterfront, industrial, and inland subareas. The current zoning is largely outdated, dominated by manufacturing districts such as M1-4, M1-5, and M3-1, which limit residential growth and restrict mixed-use development. The proposal aims to replace these zones with updated mixed-use designations that better reflect the area's evolving residential, commercial, and community facility needs. Key public policies influencing this effort include the "Housing Our Neighbors" strategy for affordable housing, "City of Yes" for sustainable zoning reforms, Vision Zero for pedestrian safety, and other citywide programs like OneNYC and the Waterfront Revitalization Program​​.

The plan proposes enhancements within the Special LIC Mixed Use District, which will allow for greater density near transit hubs, create more predictable building forms, and improve streetscapes. Other proposed zoning changes include bulk regulations, waterfront access requirements, height restrictions, and incentives for public open space. The project aligns with broader city goals for climate neutrality and resilience under Local Law 97, which mandates large buildings to reduce emissions. This section emphasizes that the plan will catalyze major growth while balancing equity, mobility, and environmental goals​​.

3. Socioeconomic Conditions

The "Socioeconomic Conditions" section examines how the proposed actions could affect population trends, residential and business displacement, employment, and local industries. Direct residential displacement is not expected because no residential buildings would be demolished (direct residential displacement would affect an estimated 23 residents across 10 housing units, a scale too small to meaningfully alter the area's demographic character), but indirect displacement may occur due to new development potentially raising local housing costs. The analysis indicates that although new market-rate housing could increase demand and costs, the inclusion of thousands of affordable units would help mitigate significant adverse impacts on vulnerable populations. Although the new residents are expected to have higher incomes than the existing population, a detailed analysis concluded that this demographic change would not substantially increase displacement pressure on lower-income residents. The mixed-income nature of the new housing and the continued presence of a significant affordable housing supply would prevent significant indirect displacement, even in vulnerable subareas like Queensbridge-Ravenswood-Dutch Kills​.

Similarly, direct business displacement is considered minimal, affecting only a small number of firms, and no substantial adverse effects are projected for industries of concern like light manufacturing​. While up to 28 businesses and approximately 309 jobs could be displaced by 2035, the businesses are dispersed across industries with no single sector heavily impacted, and their relocation would not significantly affect the local economy​. Furthermore, the DEIS found no adverse effects on specific industries critical to LIC’s economic identity, such as manufacturing or arts and recreation. Employment growth is expected, with increases in retail, office, and service jobs aligning with citywide and borough economic trends. However, changes in rent patterns and commercial competition may cause indirect business displacement, particularly among smaller, lower-margin businesses. The DEIS projects that the plan’s benefits, including affordable housing and expanded employment, outweigh the risks of displacement. As a result, although some neighborhoods could experience shifts in demographics and market dynamics, the socioeconomic changes are expected to be largely positive with appropriate mitigation strategies​.

4. Community Facilities and Services

The "Community Facilities and Services" section finds that the proposed actions would cause significant adverse impacts to elementary schools, libraries, and early childhood programs. Specifically, elementary schools within Community School District 30, Subdistrict 3, are projected to exceed 100 percent utilization, requiring over 1,300 additional seats. Impacts are similarly expected for the Hunters Point and LIC branches of the Queens Public Library system, and local child care facilities, with increased service demands surpassing existing capacities​.

However, mitigation strategies are identified to address these impacts. These include potential new school construction, expanding library facilities (like a proposed new branch at Court Square), and encouraging the development of additional childcare centers near the project area. The analysis notes that while these impacts would touch census tracts designated as Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), the distribution of burdens across both DACs and non-DACs suggests no disproportionate burden on vulnerable communities. Public health concerns linked to facility overcrowding are acknowledged but considered manageable with the proposed mitigation measures​.

5. Open Space

The "Open Space" section evaluates how the proposed actions would impact the quantity and quality of parks, playgrounds, and other public open spaces within the study area. The DEIS projects that with the development of approximately 14,699 new housing units, demand for open space would increase substantially. The residential study area would see a significant decrease in open space ratios—approximately 18.6% for total open space, 20.6% for active open space, and 17.5% for passive open space—dropping far below NYC planning goals. A reduction of more than 5% is typically considered significant under the CEQR Technical Manual; therefore, the Proposed Actions would result in a significant adverse impact on open space availability​.

Mitigation strategies discussed include expanding existing parks, creating new open spaces through private developments, and using public programs like Schoolyards to Playgrounds. Additional challenges arise because significant adverse air quality impacts are anticipated for Gordon Triangle and three new waterfront open spaces, limiting their usability. The report also highlights that shadows from new development would cause significant adverse effects on two key open space resources: Gordon Triangle and the 44th Drive Pier. While mitigation measures are being explored—including new vegetation strategies and expanded park access—the Final EIS will finalize these approaches​.

6. Shadows

The "Shadows" section analyzes the impact of new development shadows on sunlight-sensitive resources such as parks, pedestrian plazas, and waterfront areas. The DEIS concludes that although many new shadows would be minor or temporary, significant adverse shadow impacts would occur at three open space resources: Greenstreets medians along Queens Plaza South, Gordon Triangle, and the 44th Drive Pier. These areas would experience new, prolonged shadows that could interfere with plant health, public enjoyment, and overall usability of these spaces​.

The analysis follows CEQR guidelines and used 3D modeling to assess shadow impact on representative days throughout the year. It defines "incremental shadow" and explains that a significant adverse impact occurs when sunlight needed for usability or ecological health is substantially reduced. While not all affected resources would see critical issues, those experiencing extended shadow coverage require further mitigation strategies, which could include landscape redesign, moving sensitive features, or maintenance adjustments. The DEIS notes that the full shadow impact mitigation plan will be refined in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)​.

7. Historic and Cultural Resources

The "Historic and Cultural Resources" section assesses the potential impacts of the proposed rezoning on historic architectural and archaeological assets in LIC. Direct physical impacts are expected where new development would demolish several State and National Register of Historic Places (S/NR)-eligible buildings, including the M. Henry Chernay Building and the Jerome Perlstein Building, among others. Significant adverse impacts are unavoidable because these resources are privately owned and not protected by local landmark designation. Construction near other historic resources could also pose risks, although NYC Department of Buildings' procedures (TPPN #10/88) may mitigate some of these impacts​.

Indirect impacts from new construction altering the historic setting of low-scale neighborhoods are also anticipated, particularly in areas where new buildings could be over 100 feet taller than existing historic structures. However, the DEIS concludes there would be no significant adverse indirect impacts on historic resources solely from changes like shadows or view obstruction. The section also notes that archaeological resources were reviewed, and no significant adverse impacts are expected based on prior archaeological assessments and current site conditions​.

8. Urban Design and Visual Resources

The "Urban Design and Visual Resources" section examines how the neighborhood’s visual character would be altered by the proposed changes. The analysis covers a primary area (the project zone) and a secondary study area extending a quarter-mile outward. The plan would allow taller and denser buildings compared to existing zoning, reshaping the streetscapes and skyline, particularly along the East River waterfront. Some visual corridors to important landmarks like the Manhattan skyline and East River could be partially obstructed, but major icons (such as the Queensboro Bridge) would remain visually prominent​.

The DEIS finds that while changes to building heights and massing will be noticeable and significant, they are generally consistent with citywide goals to promote density around transit nodes and waterfronts. No iconic views or urban design elements would be irreversibly compromised. In fact, redevelopment could enhance the pedestrian experience in some areas by introducing new open spaces, wider sidewalks, waterfront access, and improved street-level retail vitality. The analysis concludes that while visual and design character will change substantially, no significant adverse urban design or visual resource impacts are anticipated​.

9. Natural Resources

The "Natural Resources" section examines how the proposed actions would affect the area's environmental assets, including floodplains, groundwater, wetlands, aquatic habitats, essential fish habitats, terrestrial ecosystems, and endangered species. The study area includes critical waterfront zones along the East River and smaller inland pockets. Existing conditions show that although parts of the area are mapped within floodplains, natural terrestrial habitats are limited mainly to landscaped spaces and street trees. Water quality in the East River is classified as “Class I,” meaning it is safe for fishing and boating but not necessarily for swimming​.

The DEIS concludes that future development would not result in significant adverse impacts to natural resources. Measures like flood-resistant design, green infrastructure, and stormwater management will be integrated into new construction to protect water and soil resources. Although the transformation of vacant lots into developed properties could lead to a minor loss of vegetation and habitat for urban-adapted species, the environmental protections built into project approvals are expected to adequately mitigate these impacts. Thus, the plan is consistent with broader sustainability and resilience goals​.

10. Hazardous Materials

The "Hazardous Materials" section evaluates the potential risks associated with site contamination across the project area, which historically hosted industrial and petroleum-related uses. The DEIS identifies a range of potential hazards, including petroleum spills, underground storage tanks, hazardous waste generation, and historic uses involving heavy metals and solvents. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, regulatory databases, and city directories were used to assess the history and status of each projected and potential development site​​.

The findings indicate that while many sites pose some contamination risk, these can be managed through established remediation procedures. All development on potentially contaminated sites will be subject to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and, if needed, further environmental testing and cleanup measures. The City’s E-Designation program and environmental review processes will ensure that hazardous conditions are addressed prior to construction, avoiding significant adverse impacts to public health or the environment. Thus, with proper oversight, no unmitigated hazardous materials impacts are expected​.

11. Water and Sewer Infrastructure

The "Water and Sewer Infrastructure" section assesses how the proposed actions would impact LIC’s critical water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Development under the project is expected to significantly increase demand—over one million gallons per day of additional water use compared to existing conditions. However, the DEIS concludes that existing infrastructure, particularly the Bowery Bay Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), has sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional sanitary and stormwater flows without causing service disruptions or environmental issues. Furthermore, because waterfront developments would incorporate modern stormwater management designs, including requirements from the 2022 Unified Stormwater Rule, combined sewer overflow (CSO) volumes are actually projected to decrease relative to the No Action condition​​.

The analysis highlights that most new impervious surface area will be designed to manage stormwater runoff through green infrastructure solutions like vegetated retention systems and regulated release rates. Sanitary flows will be treated at Bowery Bay WRRF, and direct stormwater discharges from waterfront sites will bypass the combined sewer system to the East River. Modeling scenarios for various rainfall events confirmed that there would be no significant adverse impacts to either water supply or sewer infrastructure, supporting the plan’s goal of climate resilience and modernized infrastructure​​.

12. Solid Waste and Sanitation Services

The "Solid Waste and Sanitation Services" section analyzes how increased residential, commercial, and community facility activities would affect waste generation and management. The Proposed Actions are expected to generate approximately 841 additional tons of solid waste per week by 2035—around 697 tons handled by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and about 144 tons by private commercial carters. Despite this increase, the DEIS finds that the additional waste volume is negligible compared to the city’s overall daily waste processing capabilities (approximately 12,260 tons by DSNY and 9,000 tons by private carters)​.

Waste collection will continue through existing citywide systems, and new developments will comply with mandatory recycling and waste separation requirements. The City's evolving Commercial Waste Zone program, which reduces inefficiencies and truck miles, will also be fully implemented by the 2035 analysis year, further supporting sustainability goals. Overall, the analysis concludes that there would be no significant adverse impact on solid waste services or infrastructure, and the plan remains consistent with the City's Solid Waste Management Plan​​.

13. Energy

The "Energy" section examines projected energy consumption changes due to the proposed development. Under the Proposed Actions, annual energy demand for the new buildings would reach approximately 1,095,982 MMBtus/year, significantly higher than the No Action scenario (299,923 MMBtus/year). However, the DEIS concludes that the city’s electric, gas, and fuel oil infrastructure can meet this increased demand without requiring major new utility construction. New developments must comply with strict modern building energy codes, including the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) and the Climate Mobilization Act’s Local Law 97, which mandates carbon emission reductions from large buildings​.

Moreover, many future buildings are expected to be fully electric, in line with broader climate goals for 2040 and 2050. Energy efficiency strategies, green roofs, and possible solar energy installations will further reduce demand per square foot relative to past construction. The analysis finds no significant adverse impacts on energy infrastructure, but stresses that sustainable design will be essential for compliance with upcoming climate and building performance standards​.

14. Transportation

The "Transportation" section finds that the proposed developments would substantially increase travel demand across all modes—subway, bus, ferry, pedestrian, and vehicle. About 11,918 additional AM peak subway trips and 10,615 PM peak trips are projected. Subway stations like Court Square-23rd Street, Queensboro Plaza, and 21st Street-Queensbridge would experience significant stair, escalator, and fare array congestion. Vehicular traffic would cause significant adverse impacts at 38 intersections and 68 lane groups during peak periods​.

In addition to subway crowding, city buses serving the area and ferry landings would face overloads, and pedestrian conditions at sidewalks, crosswalks, and corners would deteriorate without mitigation. The DEIS proposes a suite of measures like traffic signal timing changes, stairway widenings at key subway stations, and improvements to pedestrian infrastructure. However, even with mitigation, some traffic and pedestrian congestion may remain unavoidable. Transportation resilience strategies, including encouraging multimodal commuting and ferry system enhancements, will be critical to supporting the proposed growth​.

15. Air Quality

The "Air Quality" section evaluates how the Proposed Actions would affect local air quality through emissions from mobile and stationary sources. The analysis found that additional vehicle traffic would cause localized increases in carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), but predicted concentrations would remain below National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) at all evaluated locations. A separate stationary source analysis determined that new buildings' boilers and HVAC systems, designed to meet modern energy codes, would not result in any significant adverse air quality impacts either​.

However, the DEIS does identify that certain development sites associated with industrial uses would require (E) Designations to manage risks from potential air toxic emissions. Mitigation strategies for mobile source emissions include promoting sustainable transportation alternatives, such as increased pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. No significant unmitigated air quality impacts are expected if these measures are properly implemented​.

16. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change

The "Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change" section measures how much the Proposed Actions would contribute to climate change and how well they align with city, state, and federal emission reduction goals. It estimates that the project would generate up to approximately 148,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually by 2035, mostly from building energy use and vehicle trips. However, this number is expected to drop significantly as New York transitions to a zero-emissions electric grid by 2040, and with the city’s Local Law 97 requirements to cap building emissions​.

The DEIS stresses that the Proposed Actions are consistent with New York City’s climate policies, including OneNYC and the CEQR Technical Manual’s greenhouse gas consistency guidelines. The Plan supports emissions reductions through proximity to transit, requirements for fossil-fuel-free heating systems, electrification readiness, and recycled building materials. While some emission sources from construction were not fully modeled, they are expected to be equivalent to about 5–10 years of the operational emissions, a typical CEQR assumption​.

17. Noise

The "Noise" section examines how the proposed development would affect noise levels across the study area, particularly near major streets and elevated train lines. The DEIS finds that existing noise levels are already high due to road and rail traffic, typically ranging between 65 and 75 dBA in many locations. The proposed project would not significantly increase noise levels under typical operations, but new development sites would need specific façade attenuation measures to comply with New York City's CEQR noise standards. Buildings located in areas with high ambient noise will require enhanced sound insulation, and in some cases, alternative ventilation systems so that windows can remain closed​.

Construction noise is another concern, as short-term but intense noise generation is expected at many sites during the construction phase, including heavy equipment operation and pile driving. Noise modeling indicates that at certain receptors, particularly close to construction sites, noise levels could temporarily exceed CEQR impact criteria. The DEIS proposes mitigation measures like noise barriers, scheduling restrictions, and community notifications to reduce impacts. However, some construction noise impacts are expected to remain unavoidable during peak building periods​.

18. Public Health

The "Public Health" section assesses how air quality, noise, hazardous materials, and other environmental factors could collectively affect community health outcomes. The DEIS concludes that, generally, no unmitigated significant adverse public health impacts are anticipated from hazardous materials or water quality changes. However, air quality analysis reveals potential for significant adverse impacts at some intersections (like Vernon Boulevard and 46th Avenue) where carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are predicted to exceed NAAQS without mitigation​.

Additionally, the public health analysis finds that construction-related noise could temporarily affect vulnerable populations near building sites. Traffic-related pollution and localized noise could exacerbate health conditions such as asthma or cardiovascular diseases in sensitive groups. While mitigation measures are planned, the DEIS acknowledges the possibility of localized health burdens, particularly related to air quality exceedances, although citywide health standards are generally expected to remain protected​.

19. Neighborhood Character

The "Neighborhood Character" section assesses whether the Proposed Actions would fundamentally alter the defining features of LIC and its surroundings. The primary study area includes about 54 blocks along the East River and adjacent neighborhoods, while the secondary study area includes parts of Hunters Point, Downtown LIC, Dutch Kills, Ravenswood, and Queensbridge Houses. The DEIS finds that existing neighborhood character is already diverse—combining residential, industrial, commercial, and waterfront uses—making it more resilient to change. Although the Proposed Actions would introduce new building heights, densities, and uses, these changes are generally in keeping with the area's evolving character​.

Moderate changes across technical areas like land use, urban design, traffic, and noise are expected but are not predicted to combine into significant adverse neighborhood character impacts. In fact, some aspects of neighborhood character, such as waterfront accessibility and public realm improvements, would be enhanced. New developments could create a more vibrant streetscape and improve pedestrian experiences along key corridors. Thus, the DEIS concludes that the Proposed Actions would not result in significant adverse effects on neighborhood character​.

20. Construction

The "Construction" section analyzes the environmental impacts associated with up to 15 years of phased construction activities throughout the project area. The DEIS anticipates construction-related noise, air quality impacts (including dust and diesel emissions), traffic disruptions, and community facility service disruptions. Modeling predicts that short-term significant adverse noise impacts will occur near active construction sites, particularly affecting residential areas and open spaces like playgrounds. Construction air emissions, including PM2.5, are also expected to rise temporarily, particularly near larger building sites​.

The DEIS recommends multiple mitigation strategies, such as noise barriers, dust control measures, regulated truck routes, and limiting high-intensity construction work during off-peak hours. Even with these efforts, temporary, unavoidable construction impacts on air quality, noise, and pedestrian conditions are expected. However, these impacts are common in major urban development projects and are considered manageable with careful planning and continuous community engagement throughout the construction period​.

21. Mitigation

The "Mitigation" section outlines numerous mitigation strategies to address the significant adverse impacts identified in areas such as transportation, public schools, early childhood education, libraries, open space, air quality, noise, and historic resources. For public education, the plan includes construction of a new 522-seat elementary school to offset enrollment pressure. Library impacts are to be addressed by expanding the local branch network, particularly the Court Square branch, while increased demand for early childhood programs would be met with new or expanded child care facilities. These measures aim to prevent overburdening community facilities in the face of projected population growth​.

Transportation mitigation includes retiming traffic signals at congested intersections, modifying lane configurations, and improving pedestrian safety infrastructure such as curb extensions and wider crosswalks. Some of the most significant pedestrian impacts are targeted for mitigation with physical changes to sidewalks, crosswalks, and corners, although not all can be addressed due to feasibility constraints. For subway station congestion—especially at Court Square and Queensboro Plaza—the City proposes stairway and fare gate improvements to reduce crowding. Still, some transit and pedestrian impacts are likely to remain unmitigated​.

In the realm of environmental quality, the plan proposes reanalyzing traffic-related air pollution levels with refined modeling to potentially reduce PM2.5 concentration exceedances at hotspots like Vernon Boulevard and 46th Avenue. Additional mitigation may include re-routing traffic and requiring clean construction equipment to minimize emissions. Similarly, for construction noise impacts, which are expected to be widespread and intense, recommended mitigation includes noise barriers, scheduling restrictions, and community outreach—but the DEIS acknowledges that some impacts may remain unavoidable even with these measures​.

Historic and cultural resource mitigation centers on Construction Protection Plans to safeguard buildings eligible for landmark designation or listing on state or national registers. For shadows, particularly those cast on Gordon Triangle and 44th Drive Pier, potential mitigation includes relocating light-sensitive resources or redesigning affected spaces. Open space deficits will be partly addressed through zoning incentives that encourage developers to provide publicly accessible plazas, though the DEIS concedes that the space gap is too large to fully close. Overall, while many mitigation measures are promising, several adverse impacts—especially in transportation, open space, air quality, and noise—are expected to remain at least partially unmitigated by the time of the Final EIS​.

22. Alternatives

The "Alternatives" section explores scenarios designed to avoid or minimize adverse impacts while achieving the project’s goals. Three alternatives are analyzed: (1) the No Action Alternative, assuming no zoning changes or new development beyond existing trends; (2) the No Unmitigated Significant Adverse Impacts Alternative, adjusting the project to fully mitigate impacts to transportation, open space, and other areas; and (3) the DOE Site Development Alternative, focusing development around Department of Education-controlled parcels to reduce burden on certain public services​.

The No Action Alternative assumes that no zoning changes, no Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) requirements, and no waterfront improvements would occur. Under this scenario, only moderate growth would take place by 2035—about 2,802 new dwelling units compared to nearly 14,700 under the Proposed Actions. While this would avoid the significant adverse impacts related to community facilities, open space, shadows, transportation, air quality, noise, and construction expected with the Proposed Actions, it would fail to meet the City's goals for affordable housing expansion, economic development, and improved waterfront access​.

The No Unmitigated Significant Adverse Impacts Alternative considers a reduced-density version of the project designed to eliminate any significant adverse impacts that could not otherwise be fully mitigated. This would involve scaling back new housing, commercial development, and public space improvements to a degree that would fundamentally limit the benefits of the plan. While this alternative could avoid impacts to schools, libraries, transportation systems, and air quality, it would significantly underdeliver on key objectives, such as creating affordable housing opportunities, fostering a mixed-use community, and encouraging resilient and sustainable growth​.

The DOE Site Development Alternative focuses on a City-owned site (Projected Development Site 67), proposing greater amounts of affordable housing through public funding mechanisms. While it would increase affordable housing production compared to the baseline Proposed Actions, it would also decrease the total number of units, total floor area, and building heights. Paradoxically, this alternative could worsen significant adverse impacts related to early childhood programs, transportation, and air quality by concentrating development in ways that do not optimally distribute population and services across the broader study area​.

23. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts

The "Unavoidable Adverse Impacts" section identifies several significant adverse impacts that would remain unavoidable even after mitigation efforts. These include unmitigated congestion at subway station elements like stairs, escalators, and fare gates at Court Square–23rd Street (E/G/M/7) and Queensboro Plaza stations, where physical constraints limit expansion options​. Subway line haul impacts would also persist if additional train service (extra 7, E, F, and G trains) cannot be operationally implemented. Similarly, added bus ridership on the Q103 route could result in unmitigated impacts if additional buses are not funded. Ferry services on the Astoria route would experience unavoidable impacts unless service frequency and capacity enhancements are achieved​.

Beyond transit, significant adverse air quality impacts are projected at key intersections, especially Vernon Boulevard and 46th Avenue, where PM2.5 levels could exceed federal standards even after planned mitigation​. Traffic congestion and pedestrian crowding would persist at many intersections, sidewalks, crosswalks, and corners if mitigation measures like curb extensions or crosswalk widenings are deemed infeasible. Furthermore, unavoidable noise impacts are anticipated, particularly at sensitive receptors adjacent to high-traffic corridors, even with measures like upgraded windows and ventilation systems. These conditions could temporarily or permanently degrade the pedestrian experience and public health conditions in portions of the neighborhood​.

In the construction phase, unavoidable impacts are expected to historic and cultural resources, as some significant buildings within 90 feet of development sites lack legal protections that would require mandatory Construction Protection Plans​. Additionally, construction noise will likely create unavoidable temporary impacts for nearby residents and sensitive uses, despite best practices in noise mitigation. Finally, significant adverse shadow impacts will affect small parks like Gordon Triangle and the 44th Drive Pier, diminishing sunlight-sensitive vegetation and public use of these open spaces, and it is unlikely that all shadow impacts can be fully mitigated​.

Key unavoidable impacts include construction-related noise affecting nearby sensitive receptors, increased traffic congestion at certain intersections, and potential impacts to historic resources during construction. The DEIS also anticipates that even with traffic signal adjustments and expanded pedestrian facilities, some transportation impacts, such as intersection delays, will not be fully mitigated. Similarly, although noise barriers and acoustical tents would reduce construction noise, some elevated noise levels are expected to persist during peak construction periods​. Thus, while extensive mitigation has been proposed, full elimination of certain significant adverse impacts is not feasible​.

24. Growth-Inducing Aspects of the Proposed Actions

The "Growth-Inducing Aspects" section discusses how the Proposed Actions could stimulate secondary development outside the directly rezoned area. By increasing residential, commercial, and employment capacity in LIC, the Plan is likely to generate additional demand for retail services, community facilities, and infrastructure improvements nearby. It may encourage new investments in adjacent neighborhoods and could promote broader economic growth across Western Queens by solidifying LIC's role as a major employment and residential center​.

Importantly, the DEIS concludes that while incremental regional growth is expected—particularly in housing and job creation—the scale and pace of that growth would be gradual and unlikely to overwhelm local infrastructure. Secondary growth would occur primarily over a 10-year period, and significant adverse impacts beyond the primary study area are not anticipated. Thus, the growth-inducing effects are framed positively as part of broader goals to accommodate citywide needs for housing, employment, and sustainable development​.

25. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

The "Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources" section discusses the resources that would be permanently expended due to the Proposed Actions. Resources include building materials, energy for construction and operations, and human labor, all of which are considered irretrievably committed since they would be difficult or impossible to reuse for other purposes. Additionally, land committed to new uses (residential, commercial, or community facility) would no longer be available for other purposes, although the DEIS emphasizes that the land use changes are consistent with ongoing development trends in LIC​.

Public services such as police, fire protection, public education, and open space would also constitute long-term resource commitments. However, the DEIS states that these impacts would be offset by economic benefits, including increased tax revenues and enhanced community vibrancy. The section concludes that while the resource commitments are significant, they are justified by the broad benefits of the plan: increased affordability, enhanced neighborhood diversity, expanded job opportunities, and strengthened regional business hubs​.

26. Effects on Disadvantaged Communities

The "Effects on Disadvantaged Communities" section evaluates how the Proposed Actions would affect communities identified by New York State as having comparatively higher environmental and health burdens. The DEIS identifies both higher- and lower-burden DACs within the project’s ½-mile study area. It finds that the Proposed Actions could lead to significant adverse impacts in areas like community facilities (schools, libraries), open space, historic resources, transportation, mobile source air quality, noise, and construction​.

While most impacts are expected to be evenly distributed across DACs and non-DACs, the DEIS acknowledges a potential disproportionate mobile source air quality burden on DACs due to increased traffic. Construction noise is also cited but is considered temporary and localized. The analysis concludes that except for mobile source air quality, the Proposed Actions would not disproportionately increase pollution burdens on DACs compared to other communities, and further efforts are being considered between the DEIS and the Final EIS (FEIS) to minimize these concerns​.

27. Conceptual Analysis

The "Conceptual Analysis" section addresses potential future development scenarios that could arise from new discretionary actions authorized under the Proposed Actions but not directly assumed in the environmental review. It covers four discretionary actions: (1) a City Planning Commission (CPC) authorization to permit floor area bonuses for public plazas; (2) authorization for modified building envelopes when schools are provided; (3) revocation of the restrictive declaration at the Silvercup West site; and (4) rezoning of the Con Edison Learning Center site (Conceptual Site 5). While the DEIS’s "With Action" analysis does not assume these discretionary approvals, the conceptual analysis anticipates possible future development, including a mixed-use complex exceeding 4 million zoning square feet (zsf) at Conceptual Site 5​.

The section stresses that a more detailed environmental analysis following CEQR standards would be required when future applications are filed. Potential impacts include land use changes, direct and indirect displacement, urban design alterations, and new traffic and environmental burdens. Importantly, the Con Edison site redevelopment could displace the Con Edison Training Center but would not directly displace residents. The scale of anticipated future development could trigger significant impacts requiring a full EIS. However, as specific projects remain conceptual at this stage, only preliminary impact assessments were made​.

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Now that the CPC has certified that the ULURP application is complete, the DEIS has been published, and the application has been forwarded to community boards, Queens Community Boards 1 and 2 will play a formal and crucial role in the public review process under ULURP. We now have 60 days to review the proposal, hold public hearings, gather community input, and adopt official recommendations on whether we support, oppose, or suggest modifications to the proposed actions​.

During our review period, we will organize public hearings where residents, local businesses, civic groups, and other stakeholders can comment on the rezoning, new housing, open space proposals, transportation changes, and overall environmental impacts. Our recommendation will then be passed to the Borough President and, eventually, to the CPC and City Council for further decision-making. Although our recommendations are advisory rather than binding, they carry significant weight in shaping the broader political and public dialogue about the plan​.