Ron Kim backs Constantinides for Queens borough president

Assemblymember Ron Kim (left) endorsed Councilmember Costa Constantinides for Queens borough president. Photo courtesy of Constantinides’ campaign

By David Brand

Assemblymember Ron Kim has endorsed Councilmember Costa Constantinides in the race for Queens borough president.

Kim, a progressive Democrat from Flushing, commended Constantinides’ environmental advocacy and his opposition to the Flushing Creek Waterfront development plan, a proposal to rezone a manufacturing district for residential use in order to facilitate a large-scale development project.

“When Costa says he will fight for family-owned small businesses, protect our environment, and stick up for my constituents who desperately need affordable housing, I believe him,” said Kim, who has criticized the Flushing Creek proposal for including too few affordable units.

Queens Community Board 7 voted in favor of the Flushing Creek rezoning proposal during a contentious meeting on Feb. 10. The project is now under review by Acting Borough President Sharon Lee, who will issue an advisory recommendation before a full City Council vote.

Local Councilmember Peter Koo has not yet indicated how he will vote on the plan. The council traditionally votes in lockstep with the local member on land use issues.

Kim, who ran for public advocate in 2019, has positioned himself as one Queens’ most progressive lawmakers and earlier this year sought support from the Queens branch fo the Democratic Socialists of America.

Constantinides praised Kim for fighting “for a fairer Queens that provides good jobs, true affordable housing, and livable streets.” 

The special election for Queens borough president will take place March 24. Early voting begins on March 14.

Former Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, retired NYPD Sergeant Anthony Miranda, former Queens prosecutor James Quinn, Councilmember Donovan Richards and Flushing businessperson Dao Yin are also running for borough president.