Queens Borough President Richards Releases "Reimagine Ravenswood" Master Plan

QUEENS, NY (07/17/2025) (readMedia)-- Following a nearly year-long community visioning process, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. today unveiled "Reimagine Ravenswood" - a neighborhood plan to leverage the clean energy transformation of New York City's largest power generating station to maximize economic and environmental benefits across Long Island City. The master plan - managed by HR&A Advisors and funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with support from Rise Light & Power - proposes investments in environmental justice, economic opportunity, and public space improvements that will be catalyzed by the renewable repowering of Ravenswood Generating Station, which is owned and managed by Rise Light & Power and its affiliates.

VIEW photos of the event here.

"It is long past time to turn Asthma Alley into Renewable Row, and that is exactly what our transformational Reimagine Ravenswood plan aims to do. The days of environmental and economic injustice in Western Queens, especially for our historically marginalized public housing families, are officially coming to an end," said Borough President RICHARDS. "I'm deeply grateful to our government and community partners for their shared commitment to making Queens the clean energy capital of the country, as well as their dedication to holistically uplifting the neighborhood surrounding the Ravenswood Generating Station."

"This isn't just about energy - it's about equity, opportunity, and transformation," said Rise Light & Power CEO CLINTON PLUMMER. "We're committed to making Renewable Ravenswood a model for how clean energy infrastructure can uplift communities and create good-paying union jobs."

Rooted in months of public engagement, dozens of stakeholder interviews and the guidance of a steering committee composed of residents, advocates and union leaders, "Reimagine Ravenswood" outlines a shared vision for a just transition in Western Queens. The plan aims to ensure broad economic benefits from the transformation of Ravenswood Generating Station, deliver vibrant public spaces along Vernon Boulevard, and position the area to lead in fast-growing sectors like green energy, micro-mobility, and blue highways. The study was funded by NYSERDA with support from Rise Light & Power.

The transformation of Ravenswood Generating Station - as announced in July 2022 - proposes interconnecting multiple sources of abundant clean energy to the site, ultimately facilitating the retirement and replacement of its 1960s fossil fuel generators.

Today, the site provides up to 25 percent of electric power to New York City; permitting and building projects such as the Queensboro Renewable Express - the proposed 2.6 gigawatt offshore wind transmission line - will allow for the site to continue powering New York, with a strong union workforce, while sharply decreasing emissions. As this transformation progresses, the vast 27-acre site will become a catalyst for wide-ranging improvements throughout the community, as envisioned in the "Reimagine Ravenswood" plan.

Highlights of the plan include:

• Clean Energy Transformation: Rise Light & Power's proposal to redevelop Ravenswood Generating Station includes (1) interconnecting two utility-scale offshore wind projects, (2) interconnecting abundant renewables from upstate, (3) developing on-site battery storage, and (4) developing a district thermal energy network that can sustainably heat and cool NYCHA and other nearby buildings.
• Workforce and Business Development: To supplement Ravenswood Generating Station's existing training center for its union workforce, site redevelopment could include an expanded education and training center as the green economy grows. Beyond the site, a talented network of workforce development organizations is ready to connect NYCHA residents and disadvantaged communities to future job opportunities. Moreover, the plan calls for an increase in clean tech and advanced manufacturing in the Long Island City Industrial Business Zone.
• Offshore Wind Operations and Marine Logistics: The plan envisions revitalizing the Ravenswood site's 2,000-foot quayside, positioning the site as a long-term operations port for offshore wind projects. This will support green, union jobs and provide a home base for crews who inspect and repair turbines throughout their decades-long lifespans.
• Micromobility Infrastructure: "Reimagine Ravenswood" also considers the creation of a micro-distribution hub that leverages maritime freight infrastructure for use with cargo bikes and small zero-emissions vehicles to deliver goods. The Ravenswood site is connected to the existing Vernon Boulevard bikeway, positioning it within a short distance of thousands of area residents and businesses and making it a prime candidate for electric vehicle charging and delivery.
• Vibrant Public Space: Today, Vernon Boulevard between Queensbridge and Rainey Parks is mostly lined with blank walls. "Reimagine Ravenswood" envisions new investments to make Vernon Boulevard a livelier and more welcoming corridor, with new trees, murals, and pop-up public events. The plan also includes long-term visions for expanded waterfront access and elevated park space, subject to further evaluation.

The release of this plan follows a robust community engagement process, including public workshops, youth focus groups, surveys, and input from a steering committee of local stakeholders. Outreach particularly focused on NYCHA, which operates 7,500 units of public housing within two miles of Ravenswood Generating. Three-quarters of the housing units in the project study area, which included NYCHA Queensbridge and Ravenswood, are public housing. While the overall plan is expected to take more than a decade to fully realize, progress is already being made:

• Queensboro Renewable Express: The 2.6 gigawatt offshore wind transmission line that will deliver clean energy from the Atlantic Ocean to Ravenswood is currently moving through New York State's Article VII permitting process. At the public hearing in July 2024, which took place at Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement in Queensbridge, attendees voiced unanimous support for the project.
• Offshore Wind Port Grant: In August 2024, Rise Light & Power applied to NYSERDA for a $100 million grant to construct a state-of-the-art offshore wind port at Ravenswood Generating Station. This application included a commitment to build a public plaza on Vernon Boulevard and to fund technical assistance for local businesses seeking to enter the green energy supply chain.
• Streetscape Improvements: The areas around Ravenswood Generating Station rank in the lowest 3 percent of all blocks citywide for tree coverage. Rise Light & Power has committed to contribute at least $150,000 by the end of 2025 towards tree planting and tree care along Vernon Boulevard, in partnership with Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani and Big Reuse.

"The Reimagine Ravenswood report lays out exactly the kind of bold, community-driven planning New York needs right now," said New York Building Congress President and CEO CARLO A. SCISSURA. "This report offers a clear path to turn legacy infrastructure into new opportunity by delivering good jobs, economic growth and cleaner air for Queens and all of New York City. The Building Congress and its members stand ready to help make this transformational vision a reality."

"Reimagine Ravenswood is a phenomenal example of the future of industrial and mixed-use space planning in a neighborhood like Long Island City," said Long Island City Partnership President LAURA ROTHROCK. "By responsibly shifting towards a cleaner industry that continues to support family-sustaining jobs and a vibrant community, we can make sure everyone benefits from investments like this."

"The Reimagine Ravenswood Report comprehensively outlines past and present challenges faced by Long Island City residents while offering opportunities, rooted in real needs, that have the potential to transform lives for generations to come," said Urban Upbound Co-Founder and CEO BISHOP MITCHELL TAYLOR. "Developed through years of engagement with NYCHA communities, this report presents a bold vision for the blocks between the Queensbridge and Ravenswood Houses, one inclusive of environmental justice and flood resiliency, fueled by career and entrepreneurship advancement, and resulting in a vibrant neighborhood that our families deserve. I applaud Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for commissioning this report and thank NYSERDA and Rise Light & Power for their contributions to the effort."

"The Reimagine Ravenswood master plan is a bold and necessary step toward a more resilient, equitable, and accessible New York City waterfront," said Waterfront Alliance Interim President and CEO CHRIS WARD. "By transforming a legacy fossil fuel site into a hub for clean energy, green jobs, and vibrant public space, this initiative exemplifies the kind of community-centered climate leadership our city needs. We are proud to support a vision that uplifts communities while preparing our waterfront for the challenges of the future."

"For so long, our neighbors in the Queensbridge and Ravenswood area have had to endure environmental injustice, especially those living in NYCHA developments," said Community Board 1 Chairperson EVIE HANTZOPOULOS. "Transitioning to renewable energy is a game changer and unlocks many possibilities to redress years of neglect; this plan is the first step in ensuring meaningful economic and environmental benefits for the community."

"The Ravenswood Generating Station has always been a defining feature of our area. But for the first time, there's a plan to make it a true asset and neighbor for this community," said Queensbridge Residents Association President CORINNE HAYNES. "Thank you to Borough President Richards and Rise Light & Power for bringing Queensbridge to the table to craft a vision that we can all be proud of."

"For decades we have been fighting for cleaner air, good jobs and our fair share of investment," said Ravenswood Residents Association President CAROL WILKINS. "This plan takes a hard look at the disparities we face but also the bright opportunity ahead with a Renewable Ravenswood. Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard and let's keep up the momentum."