The Long Island City Partnership has launched a new mobile site and smart signage campaign that uses QR-Code technology to help Long Island City residents, workers and visitors navigate the neighborhood and discover local businesses and community events.

The website, LIC Local, will help pedestrians find their way around LIC’s sometimes confusing streets, while also sharing information about local retail stores, eateries, breweries and events.

The LICP has deployed 100 smart signs with scannable QR codes at strategic locations throughout Long Island City. Using their smartphone camera, visitors can scan the codes to connect to the wayfinding site.

The location of each smart sign is listed on a map to help users find their destinations.

(Long Island City Partnership)

Once a user scans a smart sign’s QR code, the app will locate his or her position and suggest local businesses and happenings in the surrounding area. Users can also search for business and events or browse the map of the neighborhood and learn where special deals are available to LIC Perks members all within the app.

“Long Island City has the best of the city, from world class museums and parks to Michelin star restaurants and a diverse mix of local businesses, and yet these cherished spots are also some of our best kept secrets,” LICP President Elizabeth Lusskin said.

“We are excited to help put our shops, institutions and events on one map with LIC Local to make everything our community has to offer easier to find.”

The web app was developed by the LICP with local tech startup Citiesense and design firm ThoughtMatter.

The concept for LIC Local came out of LICP’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan and initial funding for the project was provided by the NYC Department of Small Business Services as part of its Neighborhood Challenge Innovation Grant competition in 2017.

Additional funds were later provided by the NYC Consolidated Funding Application Grant, the NY Community Trust 2017-19, the Queens Borough President’s Office and City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.

“LIC Local will employ cutting-edge technology to make it much easier for both residents and visitors alike to find all the great things Long Island City has to offer,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz in a statement. “It was a privilege to help fund the development of LIC Local, which will make the richness of Long Island City more accessible to all.”

Two advisory committees will oversee the LIC Local project, one with local stakeholders and one with local tech experts, including Boyce Technologies, Citiesense, Cornell Tech, Envrmnt by Verizon Labs, LaGuardia Community College, LinkNYC and Verizon.

“Whether someone is a longtime resident or it’s their first time here, there’s so much to do—gallery openings, live music, indoor rock climbing, tennis, and many delicious and unique food and drink establishments—and LIC Local will make it easier and more fun to experience,” Lusskin said.