A Top Adams Adviser Delayed Funding for Migrant Shelters
A top adviser to Mayor Eric Adams under federal investigation delayed for months a multimillion-dollar contract to provide caseworkers at migrant shelters, an investigation by THE CITY has found — hampering urgent efforts to help asylum-seekers get work papers and exit the shelter system as their numbers in the city skyrocketed.
Who Is Tim Pearson?
Tim Pearson, a senior advisor to Adams assigned by the mayor to monitor asylum-seeker shelter contracts, held up the contract with Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting LLC early this year, even after it had already been approved by the city Health & Hospitals Corporation (HHC). Pearson, a former NYPD inspector, is also the subject of four lawsuits accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation by co-workers.
Purported Motives Revealed
Pearson denied giving a reason for stalling the contract, stating he wouldn’t approve it until Cherokee met with him. A former government official with knowledge of the matter said Pearson was asking unclear questions, which further led to delays.
Financial Implications
In three months, the number of migrants staying in HHC-run shelters rose from 24,000 to 25,000. These delays resulted in the retainer agreement with a maximum amount of $176 million remaining unused.
Why This Matters
Comptroller Brad Lander condemned Pearson’s interference, suggesting that it is part of a larger crisis in city contracting under Adams. Pearson’s meddling in contracts for Health and Hospitals, where oversight is limited, can be detrimental to the citizens the city is supposed to serve.
Pearson’s Connection to Adams
The Mayor’s Office backed Pearson, stating that they needed his expertise to manage the crisis. Adams expressed gratitude for Pearson’s performance, citing his ability to save hundreds of millions of dollars.
Challenges Faced by Asylum-Seekers
On September 4, US authorities issued a subpoena for city official Molly Schaeffer, who oversaw asylum-seeker operations under Pearson’s guidance. Beginning in the fall of 2022, Pearson engaged in almost daily meetings with Schaeffer, who was responsible for discussing ‘asylum seeker updates and contracts.’ Schaeffer has declined to comment regarding the investigation.
Criticisms and Reassurances
Comptroller Lander expressed concerns, stating that the situation suggests "favored contractors often have family relationships and received sweetheart treatment in awarding contracts." The city Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) similarly has been criticized for providing inadequate oversight of its migrants shelter contracts.
Possible Next Steps
It seems unclear what actions will result from the ongoing investigation but as it continues, stakeholders expect a more transparent contractual process.
Conclusion
FAQs
Q: Who delayed the contract?
A: Tim Pearson, a senior advisor to Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: Why did Pearson hold up the contract?
A: Allegedly due to unclear queries about the contract, potentially without valid reasons.
Q: What was the result of the delay?
A: Unused funds and further increased strain on the city migrant shelters.
Q: Has anyone spoken out?
A: Not yet, as most responses were limited to statements emphasizing Pearson’s role and impact.
