WHERE IN NYC?

Deciding to plant a church in New York City can quickly become an overwhelming and unachievable task unless you identify a specific area to target. God has drawn our family to an area called LONG ISLAND CITY, better known as LIC.

Long Island CIty is located in the southwest area of Queens along the East River directly across from the Empire State Building and the UN Building. People have described LIC as an ‘in-town suburb of Manhattan.’ Up until the early 2000’s LIC was best known for its industrial plants and large warehouses. But in recent years, due largely to NYC’s failed attempt to land the 2012 Olympic Games, LIC is quickly becoming a haven for new residential, commercial and corporate developments.

WHY LONG ISLAND CITY?

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world. It is filled with unique neighborhoods and communities. We feel like God has lead us to an area that fits the giftedness of our family and is in need of an evangelical church. Here are four major concepts that will help you better understand Long Island City:

• STRATEGIC LOCATION - Don’t get Long Island City confused with Long Island. LIC is located on the western most part of Queens on the East river. It is directly across for mid-town Manhattan with access to 5 subway lines and located just one subway stop away from Grand Central Station. This formerly industrialized area is now becoming home to new residential high rise living, commercial developments and corporate headquarters.

• GROWING COMMUNITY - Long Island City is experiencing explosive growth because of the convenience to Manhattan, reduced rental rates and family friendly environment. There are over 10,000 rental units that have recently opened or are under construction. Experts predict a population growth of over 20% - 30% over the next 10 years.

• YOUNG FAMILIES - Long Island City has been called the new ‘stroller’ capital of NYC. Families are flocking to this area. With so many new families many of the community services in the area are behind (schools, libraries, family activities). The average age in LIC is 36.

• CULTURAL DIVERSITY - Long Island City has a rich heritage in cultural diversity. There are 56 different ethnic groups present in the 11101 zip code. In LIC you will find everyone from stock brokers, doctors, teachers, subway employees, corporate executives and the homeless.