Long Island City’s Hunters Point Library is set for a major upgrade: the City Council approved $8 million this week for a rooftop green space, with construction expected to begin this fall.

The Hunters Point Library, already a striking waterfront landmark at 47-40 Center Blvd, will soon add a rooftop park after the City Council approved funding Thursday. Council Member Julie Won, whose district includes Long Island City, led the push for the $8 million allocation as part of the city’s capital budget. The initiative aims to convert the rarely-used roof of the five-year-old library into a community green space with gardens, shade structures, and river views.

The library’s design by Steven Holl Architects made headlines when it opened in 2019, but the rooftop was always closed to the public. According to Queens Library spokesperson Lauren Comito, the new park will open “by next summer,” providing Long Island City families and visitors a much-needed patch of open space along the rapidly growing waterfront. The city’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will manage the build, with final plans due to the community board by September.

Residents say the upgrade is overdue. “We’ve got towers going up every month, but hardly any green space for families,” said Josephine Rivera, PTA president at nearby PS/IS 78Q. “Turning the library’s roof into a park is a win for everybody.” The project also aims to address the neighborhood’s lack of accessible outdoor areas, which has been a consistent complaint since the library’s ribbon-cutting.

The council’s vote drew backing from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who called the project “a model for how public buildings can add value to fast-changing neighborhoods.” Construction is expected to be sequenced to minimize disruptions to the library’s ongoing programming, with temporary closures planned only for the top floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Hunters Point Library rooftop park open?

The Queens Public Library expects the rooftop green space to open to the public by summer 2025, assuming construction begins as scheduled this fall and no major delays occur. Community board review will finalize the timeline this September.

What features will the new rooftop park include?

The proposed plan calls for landscaped gardens with native plants, shade canopies, seating areas, and an accessible viewing deck overlooking the East River. Final design details will be shared with Community Board 2 before construction starts.

Will the library close during construction?

The main library will remain open for most of the project. Only the uppermost floor may temporarily close while roof access is built out. The Queens Public Library will post updates and temporary changes to operating hours as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Hunters Point Library rooftop park open?

The rooftop park is expected to open to the public by summer 2025, assuming construction begins in fall 2024 and there are no major delays.

How much funding was approved for the Hunters Point Library rooftop park?

The City Council approved $8 million in city funding for the rooftop park on June 6, 2024.

What features will the new rooftop park at Hunters Point Library include?

The park will have landscaped gardens with native plants, shade canopies, seating areas, and an accessible viewing deck overlooking the East River.

Will the Hunters Point Library close during rooftop construction?

The main library will remain open for most of the project, with only the uppermost floor temporarily closed during construction.

Who led the funding initiative for the Hunters Point Library rooftop park?

Council Member Julie Won led the push for the $8 million allocation as part of the city’s capital budget.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.