I grew up on the West Side of Manhattan in the 1970s and 1980s. Pretzel vendors, yellow checker cabs, and feeding pigeons in Central Park were my daily fare. I lived in a neighborhood filled with fascinating people pursuing their dreams. 

Years ago, I was waiting for the M10 bus in the rain, and I shared a taxi with a pregnant lady. Turns out she was heading to meet an opera teacher on my block. She said something about “kismet,” which she explained meant destiny or serendipity. I fell in love with opera, built a national real estate development company, and in my spare time appeared as a baritone all around the world—including with the Metropolitan Opera in my old neighborhood. Only in New York! 

But it's hard to imagine all this happening today. 

I want to repair the torn fabric of our cities. I’ve seen it done. Neighborhoods that were wrecked by highway construction have been brought back with private and public investment, the arts, jobs and a vibrant life. We can mobilize the real estate industry and restore the honor of our calling. Let’s turn our cities into engines of opportunity, beauty, and meaning.

I want the next generation to have similar access and opportunities to what I had growing up on the West Side of Manhattan. My hope is that anyone can be a part of the magic that only cities can provide. And in doing so we can make the world a better place.

Please join me and let’s do this together.

With love and respect,
Joshua Benaim