When plans call for covnerting the hooker haven Q-Plaza Motel into a luxury hotel, you know life is really changing in Queens Plaza. The real estate market has been driving huge changes in Long Island City's Hunters Point since rezoning in 2001. That force of change is finally starting to reach Queens Plaza with one new condo open and more planned, as outlined in the recent NY Times article on Queens Plaza history and new developments.

In an area still known for crime, prostitution, and urban decay the planned changes are eye-widening. And though the article is quite upbeat about the future of Queens Plaza, I'd have to say anyone moving there is still a pioneer and wish them luck. We'd all like to see the borough's namesake plaza become a great space to live and work.

Queens Plaza isn't the only place in LIC seeing a huge change in the works. And though change can be very positive, it can also ruin a good thing.

Last year a community group called Long Island City Alliance formed to tackle overdevelopment of LIC's historic neighborhoods (including Astoria). In their words,

"Though most of its residents don't realize it, 200,000 new residents are slated to pour into Long Island City during the next 10 years."

What do you think about developement in Queens Plaza and greater Long Island City? What's been good? What's just greed? Please share your comments.

• For Joey Hot Dog, a World on the Wane [NY Times]
• Long Island City Alliance [Official website]
• More - Long Island City Neighborhoods
• More - Long Island City Articles