Urban Land Institute receives grant to fund education programs

Real Estate Weekly,  July 11, 2007  

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he New York District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI New York) has received a generous grant from a local foundation to help fund the implementation and growth of an important educational program in support of New York City public high school students.

The Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation, named in honor of the parents of Charles B. Benenson, the prominent New York real estate executive and philanthropist who died in 2004, has provided more than $25,000 for ULI New York's UrbanPlan initiative.

Part of a national education effort by ULI--the Urban Land Institute, UrbanPlan introduces a planning curriculum into public schools, teaching high school juniors and seniors about issues associated with land use planning and development. Locally, the program is 100 percent funded by ULI New York, and is being taught in a number of New York City public high schools with the support of ULI Members who volunteer their time.

These volunteers are real estate executives who represent the leadership of such companies as: Benenson Capital Partners; Capmark Investment; Ernst & Young Real Estate Group; HSH Nordbank, JP Morgan; Katten, Muchin, Rosenman; Kirkland & Ellis; Moody's Investors Service; Morgan Stanley; O'Connor Capital Partners; Shorenstein Properties; Sonnenblick Goldman; TIAA/CREF; Vornado Realty Trust; and Wachovia Bank.

The Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation grant will provide funds to create the "C. B. Benenson Memorial Computer Fund." The funds will cover the purchase of computers for use by students engaged in the UrbanPlan program, according to Merrie S. Frankel, Moody's Investors Service vice president and education chair of ULI New York. "This is a very generous donation on the part of the Frances and Benjamin Benenson Foundation," said Frankel.

Lawrence Benenson stated that, "My father, who never understood computers, realized what an important tool they are in the education of children today.

"We are proud to honor his memory by putting this donation to work through this worthy cause, one that integrates education, real estate and New York City public schools."

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