A LIC Partnership banner on Jackson Avenue (Photo: LIC Partnership Instagram)
March 8, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is calling on the local business community to fill out an online survey so that it can determine how it should promote the district and bolster the local economy.
The survey, available online, asks business and non-profit leaders located in western Queens to list their economic needs and priorities.
Respondents are also asked for feedback on the challenges they are facing due to COVID-19 restrictions and how they are overcoming the downturn.
The information gathered in the survey will be used by the partnership to develop strategies to assist businesses and non-profits.
Topics such as rental prices, staff size, expansion opportunities, and whether business owners believe they will stay in Long Island City long term are all addressed in the 20-page survey.
Business leaders are asked to rank the quality of services/items in the neighborhood, such as public transportation, parking availability, internet service, neighborhood amenities and the quality of housing.
Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the LIC Partnership, said the organization conducted similar surveys in 2016 and 2017. The new survey, she said, would provide the partnership with the latest information, reflecting the changing economic landscape.
The survey, Lusskin said, also assesses how businesses are faring nearly a year after COVID-19 hit.
For example, the survey asks if businesses are operating at full capacity, how many employees now work remotely and how business operations have changed during the pandemic.
Respondents are also asked if they have tapped into business or government assistance programs and if they have had problems accessing such programs. The LICP specializes in advising businesses on how to access these programs, Lusskin said.
“The feedback we receive will help the LICP and government policymakers understand the type of businesses and organizations that are in Long Island City – and the opportunities they present for the city.”
Lusskin said that the survey is timely, as New York looks to recover from COVID-19 and the ensuing economic downturn. She noted that a new mayor and city council will be elected this year and the 2020 census is currently being tabulated.
She said that the findings of the survey will help legislators make informed policy decisions pertaining to the area.
Lusskin said that investors and new businesses looking to move into Long Island City would also benefit from the survey findings.
The LICP is looking to get as many businesses and organizations to take part in the survey. Participants will be entered into a raffle for two round trip flight tickets courtesy of Jet Blue.
Lusskin said that the information gathered will be kept confidential and only an overview of the survey’s findings will be shared.
The survey is open until April 9 and is limited to businesses and organizations in zip codes 11101, 11102, 11103, 11104, 11106, 11109, and 11120.
The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
