LIC South Guide Spring/Summer 2009 - Community Builder: Eric Benaim

LIC South Guide Spring/Summer 2009 - Community Builder: Eric Benaim

Walking down the street with Eric Benaim is an exercise in interruptions: it
seems there’s no one he doesn’t know. First there’s the rabbi who’s look-
ing for space to build the first synagogue in LIC in fifty years, then the artist who
hopes to use Benaim’s office space for an exhibit. And no sooner do you stop
in Hunter’s Point Wine than you’ve somehow become fast friends with the
owner, Paul, thanks to a quick introduction.
Whether it’s over lunch at Masso or dinner at Manducatis Rustica, people stop
by to greet and chat, and regale Benaim with stories about the neighborhood. It
doesn’t take long to realize that somewhere behind the brand-new buildings in
LIC lies a strong community.
“I love this neighborhood,” says Benaim, “I love its roots, and the way it’s evolv-
ing. There are solid old-timers here and energetic newcomers. I think there’s
huge potential, and it starts with people knowing people.”
A real estate broker by trade, Benaim is a community
builder by habit. He gives neighborhood tours in his free
time. If you’re new to the ‘hood, he’ll introduce you to a
half-dozen locals, and tell you who else you need to meet.
“People move here because they can get more space for
less money, and then they find that life in New York is so
much friendlier in Long Island City. I like to be part of mak-
ing that happen.”
When he’s not out and about in LIC, Eric blogs about
the area for OuterB.com. If you’re interested in a neigh-
borhood tour, just stop by his Modern Spaces office on
Vernon Blvd and ask.
Community Builder Eric Benaim