Barry Grodenchik To Retire From City Council After Term Ends

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — City Council Member Barry Grodenchik will retire from his post representing parts of Eastern Queens once his term ends in 2021, he announced Wednesday.

In a statement posted on social media, Grodenchik was vague about why he decided to not run for re-election next year, when he is one of just four City Council representatives in Queens who are not term-limited out of office.

"Being a member of the Council has been, and will continue to be, a hallmark of my public service career, which extends back more than a generation," Grodenchik wrote. "After much thought and reflection with family and friends, I have decided that it is time to put a period on this chapter of my life and retire from public service."

I have decided to retire from the @NYCCouncil at the end of my current term and therefore I will not be seeking reelection. Attached is my statement. pic.twitter.com/9VvBlQsFuU
— Barry Grodenchik (@BarryGrodenchik) October 14, 2020

Grodenchik was first elected to the City Council in 2015, after Mark Weprin gave up the seat to work for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and was re-elected in 2017.

He represents the Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village.

Last year, Grodenchik stepped down from his position leading the City Council's Committee on Parks and Recreation after admitting to sexually harassing an unnamed female staff member — charges he initially denied.