QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT DONOVAN RICHARDS JR. NOMINATES COSTA CONSTANTINIDES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(September 28, 2021 at 2:45pm)

QUEENS, NY — Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. announced his nomination of Costa Constantinides as a Member of the Board of Directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Constantinides, a former Council Member representing Western Queens and the current Chief Executive Officer of Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, brings more than a decade of experience working across the government, education and nonprofit sectors. Constantinides succeeds Melva Miller, who will continue focusing on her role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association for a Better New York.

“Costa Constantinides is a real King of Queens, always ensuring Queens has gotten our fair share throughout his career,” said Borough President RICHARDS. “Although we are sad to no longer see Costa serve in the New York City Council, I am honored and thrilled to nominate him to the NYCEDC Board of Directors. Costa’s track record clearly shows his devotion to Queens’ economic growth and success, which will continue as long as Costa has a seat at the table. We are thankful that he will continue the great work Melva Miller did to represent Queens on this board, and I thank her for her service.”

“I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. As our city recovers from the pandemic, fights for a more just and fair economy, battles the effects of climate change and strives to become more sustainable, EDC is a critical agency in achieving a stronger city,” said COSTA CONSTANTINIDES. “Thank you to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for this appointment and your continued strong leadership of our Borough. Representing Queens on this board is an honor and I will follow your lead in ensuring Queens has a strong voice at EDC.”

“I am grateful to EDC for the opportunity to have served the City of New York for the past 13 years. Our work together has touched several communities across the five boroughs and has helped to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said MELVA MILLER. “As I step aside to offer this privilege to another representative from my home borough, I am pleased to see Costa answer the call to serve. A Queens native, I am confident Costa will act on behalf of all of our neighbors with his penchant for civic service, forward-thinking views on the environment, and passion for progress.”

“We are delighted to have Costa Constantinides join the NYCEDC Board representing Queens as we move forward helping build a recovery for all New Yorkers. His role as CEO of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens brings a unique perspective, helping us consider the needs of youth in our neighborhoods as we look for equitable solutions for all New Yorkers,” said RACHEL LOEB, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. “I look forward to working with Costa to build a better future.”

About Costa Constantinides

Costa Constantinides represented the New York City Council’s 22nd District, which includes his native Astoria, as well as Rikers Island, parts of Jackson Heights, Woodside, and East Elmhurst. As chair of the Environmental Protection Committee since 2015, he has been committed to fighting the effects of climate change and keeping it from forever changing New York City’s landscape.

In April 2019, Constantinides led the effort to pass the Climate Mobilization Act, the largest carbon emissions reduction ever mandated by any city in the world, while also passing the Renewable Rikers Act in 2021. In his 7 years plus in the NYC Council, Constantinides passed 44 bills as the lead sponsor to combat climate change and its effects on our city. He has allocated capital dollars to put a hydroponic science lab in every school in his council district, while also working with city partners to put solar panels on every solar-ready school in Council District 22 by 2022.

In 2016, Constantinides worked with the de Blasio administration to secure a historic $30 million to reimagine Astoria Park, followed by a new Charybdis Playground, new walking paths, and rain gardens to absorb excess stormwater. Since taking office, more than half the parks in District 22 have been renovated or funds have been provided for renovations. Constantinides has also been committed to creating 500 new units of senior affordable housing by the end of 2021.

Constantinides attended P.S. 84 and P.S. 122, both in Astoria, before graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School. He attended Queens College where he now teaches as an adjunct lecturer in both the Political Science and Urban Studies departments.  In 2010, Constantinides received his Juris Doctor from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2014.

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