Astoria Council Member Constantinides Resigns For Nonprofit Job

ASTORIA, QUEENS — City Council Member Costa Constantinides will resign April 9 to accept a job leading the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, he said.

Constantinides announced Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his term-limited position representing District 22 in City Council to become Chief Executive Officer of the Astoria nonprofit.

"There are many ways to be a public servant that are not in elected office," he said in a statement. "Many times that truth is forgotten by too many. I have committed my life to serving this community and have been searching for a way to continue this service."

Constantinides was first elected to serve in City Council in 2013 and served as chair of the Environmental Protection Committee. His seat will be filled by the winner of the November elections, according to the Queens Daily Eagle, who spoke with Constantinides shortly after his announcement.

The outlet noted that Constantinides is the third incumbent Queens council member to leave office in the last few months. Others include Council Member Rory Lancman, who accepted a job in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, and Council Member Donovan Richards who now serves as borough president.

"This decision is not one I take lightly or without a heavy heart," Constantinides said. "I love this community and will always be eternally grateful for the time you have given me as your public servant. I know I wasn’t perfect but just know I tried my best every day

"...It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your Council Member. My service to this community is far from over and I am excited for this next chapter as we move forward together.”