24 lic courier • march 2013 • www.queenscourier.com COMMUNITY RESIDENTS, BIZ CELEBRATE LIC BY ANTHONY O’REILLY Business owners and residents of Long Island City celebrated the place they call home at a “neighborhood party” inside the historic Clock Tower. The “Celebrate LIC”event was organized by Eric Benaim, founder of Modern Spaces NYC, and co-hosted by the Long Island City Partnership. “Eric Benaim is single-handedly responsible for transforming Long Island City” said Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer. Close to 400 people attended the event, aimed at having the people of Long Island City get together and celebrate. “It’s a night to celebrate LIC customers,” Benaim said. “It’s even a chance to get to meet your fellow neighbor.” The event also helped attract people to a part of LIC that is usually not seen and most residents do not visit. “It’s nice to celebrate this side of town,” said Dana Frankel of the Long Island City Partnership. “There’s not a lot of events held around here. Usually they’re closer to the water.” The event was held in conjunction with the “No Longer Empty” exhibit, which shows off the importance of money in society through several art pieces. It is in its last week in the Clock Tower space. Keeping it all local, food and drinks were provided by bars, restaurants and stores in the community. Similar events have been held in the past, though not on a regular basis, said Benaim, who hopes to hold events like “Celebrate LIC” annually. “It lets everyone get out and come to a place not many people get to go in Long Island City,” said Benaim. Photo Courtesy of Donna Dotan Photography Dana Frankel, Eric Benaim, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer and Dan Miner. Breakfast with the politicians BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO Members of the western Queens business community gathered for a morning of questions, networking and breakfast as the Long Island City Partnership held its “LIC Elected Officials Breakfast on Friday, March 1” with guest speakers Senator Michael Gianaris and Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer. The morning began with local business owners meeting one another and sharing ideas over a hot cup of coffee. Both Gianaris and Van Bramer individually addressed the roomful of business men and women, calling Long Island city a booming and thriving community filled with the arts and new businesses. Among the topics covered by the guest speakers was the Kaufman Astoria Studios expansion. “Kaufman built a cultural renaissance,” remarked Van Bramer. Along with the expansion, the speakers also talked about the new library coming to the area, the innovative commuter compost site and the question every member of the community is wondering, “Long Island City or LIC”? The floor was then opened up to questions from the members of the business community, who inquired about everything from parking issues to keeping schools in the area open. Senator Michael Gianaris Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer
LIC032013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above