Restler on LIC waterfront esplanade and 1LIC commitments
Restler asks about funding timelines for the LIC waterfront esplanade committed under the rezoning, and whether capital plan changes will delay the 2031 completion. Beaton confirms no funding delays and all commitments are moving forward.
Thank you so much.
So to pivot, I want to go back to with 1LIC.
Through this rezoning, the city committed to creating a new waterfront esplanade and open space under the Queensborough Bridge by 2031, including $79 million in capital funding.
On page 303 of the capital plan, all that funding has a planned commitment date of 2031, project ID SEED HWQ7.
Can you clarify the start date for the funding for this project?
And will this funding present any delays to the city's commitment to complete the new open space by 2031?
Thank you for the question, Councilmember.
First of all, I want to say that any movement in the capital plan does not signify any delay, and we're moving steadfast on the commitments made in the rezoning.
Given capital stretches, we've had to move some funding around, but we're working with EDC and other partners to make sure that it's moving as quickly as we promised in the points of agreement.
So is that a yes or a no?
Is there any funding delays for the city's commitment?
There are no funding delays.
There are no funding delays to open this park by 2031.
There are no funding delays.
Okay, so we want to see this open by 2031.
As part of 1LIC, the city made the following commitments to street safety and public realm improvement projects.