www.queenscourier.com • march 2013 • lic courier 43 community talk Long Island City or LIC? BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO In order to avoid being mistaken with suburban Long Island, officials and business leaders are looking to change the name of Long Island City to the “hip” abbreviation “LIC.” After meeting with travel agents from around the world to introduce them to New York, Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council frequently finds that travelers get thrown off by the name when searching websites of Long Island City hotels. “It’s a nightmare! I actually have to show them how close we are to the city,” said MacKay. “The name apparently affects the real estate world and the tourism industry.” With changing the name, MacKay hopes to distinguish Long Island City, emphasizing its unique businesses and thriving community, as being only two subway stops away from Manhattan. “I’ve been frustrated with this for a while now. A lot of people call us daily and they’re confused because they have a misconception of Long Island City,” said Eric Benaim, owner of real estate firm Modern Spaces. The change in name does not seem too drastic, as Long Island City is already being referred to as LIC by residents and businesses. “People here already call it LIC and businesses use it in their names. We always say LIC, we’re trying to get people used to it,” said Benaim. Some hotels also hope the name change would help visitors distinguish between Long Island City from Long Island and book a room. “They hear the ‘Long Island’ part and think it’s part of Long Island. You always have to clarify and it will make it easier for people,” said Lisa Gneo, director of sales and marketing for the Z Hotel. “The important thing is how close we are to Manhattan.” According to MacKay, the process of changing the name does not follow any legal or financial steps but instead just takes the dedication of the community to begin calling itself “LIC.” Yet, not everyone agrees with the name change. “Leave it as Long Island City!” said Manducatis Rustica owner Gianna Cerbone-Teoli. “People do get confused about it, but it’s so great when you have to explain.” Instead of changing the name, residents believe the community should help others understand the differences and unique qualities of Long Island City. “I think it’s unnecessary to change it for people that are not well informed,” said Esteban Varas, 23. “I mean, we are all on Long Island.” Unlike the other hotels, Rosario Bianchi, general manager of the Holiday Inn L.I.City - Manhattan View believes teaching the public is better than changing the name. “I think it’s better to campaign and market the difference from Long Island to Long Island City in order to educate people on the difference and where we are,” said Bianchi. LIC or street talk Long Island City? It’ not a good idea if you change it to LIC, leave it the way it is. David Yung People already know that it’s Long Island City. It’s not a big deal. Norberto Saldana Residents and business owners at a recent community board meeting and LIC celebration event voiced their opinions on the possible name change. I think you should change it because a lot of people get confused with Long Island, so I think LIC is better. Mercedes Flor It’s more convenient, too many people get confused. Ricardo Flor I think it’s a good idea because people might think it’s Long Island and too far away from the city. Kardine Guzman I call it LIC anyway so I think it’s a good idea. Bill Lora It’s just an abbreviation of Long Island City so I think it’s fine. I think Long Island City is good but I wouldn’t mind. James Reed of Kin Realty I think the name should stay the same. With technology and smart phones, people should be ok without getting lost. Keith Narzony of TD Bank It’s fine I guess. I still think of this area as Queens anyway. John Chapman of Singlecut Brewery
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