By Joe Anuta
City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) took over as chairwoman of the Council Economic Development Committee earlier this month, vacating her previous post as the chairwoman of the Council Committee on Consumer Affairs.
“I am proud and honored to become the chair of the New York City Council’s Economic Development Committee. The importance of the work of the committee, especially during these tough times, cannot be underestimated,” Koslowitz said in a statement.
Koslowitz chaired her first meeting Nov. 17, after the previous head, former Queens Councilman Thomas White Jr., died from cancer in August. White served in the Council for 15 years and, like Koslowitz, was forced out of office in 2001 through a term-limits law, only to be re-elected after it was repealed.
As chairwoman of the committee, Koslowitz will examine budgets and economic legislation as well as holding oversight hearings.
In the past, the Economic Development Committee has held hearings to try and promote high-technology business sectors in the city and heard reports about development at Willets Point.
“As chair, I plan to work on development issues that will both promote New York City and benefit the taxpayers and residents who work so hard day in and day out,” Koslowitz said.
She has also expressed concern about the vacancies on Austin Street and Yellowstone Boulevard, the key shopping streets in her district, which encompasses Forest Hills, Rego Park and parts of Kew Gardens, Maspeth and Elmhurst.
Koslowitz had served as the chairwoman of the Consumer Affairs Committee for 10 years beginning in 1991 and then served a second time beginning in January.
To fill her vacant seat, Councilman Daniel Garodnick (D-Manhattan) will take over as chairman of the Committee on Consumer Affairs, and while Koslowitz stepped down she still remains part of the committee.
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
