EDC selects consultants for LIC services.

New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) president Andrew M. Alper and New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) director Amanda M. Burden announced that a consultant team has been selected to provide planning and design services in Long Island City, Queens. The planning team, headed by Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP, will provide recommendations for improving pedestrian, bicycle and bus connections between Long Island City's offices, retailers and cultural institutions.

"Already home to MetLife and Citigroup, Long Island City has the potential to become a highly desirable location for other businesses that want to diversify geographically or need cost-effective alternatives to Manhattan," said Alper. "Initiatives like this will help Long Island City to realize that potential."

The project area is bounded by the East River to the west, Broadway to the north, Steinway Street and 39th Street to the east, and Newtown Creek to the south. The planning and design team will develop a plan to improve the neighborhood's streetscape environment and also develop bus and bicycle networks to make Long Island City easier to navigate and more accessible.

Amanda M. Burden, director of the New York City Department of City Planning said, "We have ambitious goals for this project. Improving Long Island City's streetscape is a critical step towards its growth and renewal. We look forward to working with Abel Bainnson Butz and its team to further shape the future of this incredible neighborhood."

The Abel Bainnson Butz led consultant team was chosen after responding to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by EDC on behalf of the city. ABB plans to use subcontractors Philip Habib and Associates for pedestrian traffic, bicycle and shuttle- bus network planning, Thompson & Sears for the lighting design and SonArc for the public art design.

"Abel Bainnson Butz is delighted to be a part of the revitalization of Long Island City and we are confident this project will be an important step in that process," said Tern-Lee Burger, partner, Abel Bainnson Butz. "We the Economic Development Corporation and Department of City Planning for this opportunity."

Butz, based in New York City, has expertise in urban design, parks, recreational and sports facilities, college campuses, housing and commercial development. The firm is currently the prime design consultant for the Queens West Stage 2 urban waterfront park and also worked on the Citigroup Streetscape planning study at Court Square in Long Island City.

Other recent initiatives by the City and State to improve Long Island City's infrastructure and develop its waterfront include the Queens Plaza Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project, pedestrian improvements to the Queens Boulevard viaduct, subway station renovations at Queens Plaza and Queensboro Plaza, and the construction of a new Sunnyside Yard LIRR station. For more information on these projects, go to DCP's website at www.nyc.gov/planning.