Impact Astoria: Councilman Costa Constantinides Story By Gabrielle C. Sherb Walk down any street in Astoria with City Councilman Costa Constantinides and you will find there is a memory attached to it. From adolescent days of playing basketball at the Steinway Playground to quality time with his father in Astoria Park, Councilman Constantinides’s lifetime connection with the community is what drives his passion and commitment to keep Astoria the diverse, vibrant, and unique community it is. Costa Constantinides represents the New York City Council’s 22nd District, which includes his native Astoria, along with parts of Woodside, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. As Councilman, his mission is to ensure that every one of his constituents has a voice in government. “My goal is to advocate effectively for the community,” says Constantinides, “and leave our neighborhood better than the way we found it.” In his time as Councilman, Constantinides has done just that. Under his three ideological pillars—sustainability, engagement, and inclusiveness—the 22nd district has taken on exciting projects that will bring continued growth and opportunity for the community. His commitment to sustainability has been carried out through the Astoria Cove Project, a 1,723 unit project on Hallets Peninsula. Astoria Cove will redevelop the waterfront, including the creation of an Eco-Dock, and bring a ferry from Astoria to Manhattan for the first time in 80 years. Constantinides fought to ensure that the development will include affordable housing. “27% of Astoria Cove will have affordable units. Affordable housing is what keeps and makes Astoria special, and we must make sure that there is responsible development.” Constantinides wants each of his constituents to feel engaged and included in the process of government. “It is important to me that people are engaged with their government and community, and talk about how we can do better,” he says. “It is my job to facilitate the process.” His most recent initiative in facilitating community involvement is through the Participatory Budgeting Process. From April 13 – April 19, residents will have the opportunity 54 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2015 to vote on the use of $1 million in capital budgeting for projects in the community. “This is the first time this is being done,” Constantinides explains. “This will be driven by the people and we will work with city agencies to make them happen.” It is initiatives like the Participatory Budgeting Process that allow Constantinides to work with his constituents to address challenges head on. “Astoria is a wonderfully diverse community. Every one of the 160 languages you can find in Queens is spoken in our district,” he says. “Our community is filled with arts, culture, and a great neighborhood feel. We have to ensure we can do everything we can for long term sustainability.” Here are three easy ways that you can work with Councilman Constantinides and make Astoria the best community it can be: 1 Vote in the Participatory Budget April 13 – 19: Help decide how your $1 million will be spent in the 22nd district to improve parks, schools, libraries, streets, and more: http://council.nyc.gov/d22/html/members/pb22.shtml 2 Adopt Your Street and Keep Astoria Clean: Join your neighbors to keep your block, local park, or neighborhood clean. The Councilman’s office will be there to help you every step of the way. 3 Stay Connected and Say Hello: If you see the Councilman on the street, on the subway, or at the park, stop and say hello. He wants to hear your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Follow him on Twitter at @Costa4NY, on Facebook at CostaforAstoria, and by email at costa@council.nyc.gov. If you or someone you know is making a difference in Western Queens and deserves to be highlighted in BORO Mag, contact me at gabrielle@philanthropchic.com or on Twitter @philanthropchic. EXPLORE YOUR BORO
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