The Protege of Mayor Eric Adams Embroiled in Controversy Over Multi-Million Dollar Lease Deals
The protege of Mayor Eric Adams, Jesse Hamilton, who was put in charge of city leases, approved three multi-million dollar lease deals arranged by real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. The deals were announced on Tuesday.
Conflict of Interest Allegations Emerge
In late September, Hamilton, the deputy commissioner for real estate in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), vacationed in Japan with a top broker for Cushman & Wakefield, Diana Boutross. The trip raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
As part of an ongoing investigation, a representative from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office seized Hamilton’s phone, but it is unclear whether Boutross’ phone was also seized. The Cushman & Wakefield spokesperson did not comment on whether Boutross’ phone was seized.
Hearings and Investigations Ongoing
Councilmember Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn) opened a hearing to question DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina on Hamilton’s handling of leases since Adams appointed him in the summer of 2022. However, Hamilton did not attend the hearing, despite being summoned by the committee.
Lease Deals Under Scrutiny
Molina stated that DCAS did not pay for Hamilton’s trip to Japan, but did not ask him who funded his travel expenses, citing “DCAS is not involved in personal employee travel.” Restler asked whether Hamilton or anyone at DCAS had requested a waiver from the city Conflicts of Interest Board to sign off on the travel.
The hearing also focused on three multi-million dollar lease deals approved by Hamilton, including a 21-year lease for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services to rent 641,000 square feet of space in lower Manhattan. Cushman & Wakefield will receive a percentage of the annual rent.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation also looked into a pending lease arrangement to relocate the Department for the Aging into 80,000 square feet at 14 Wall St., a tower owned by Alexander Rovt, a billionaire who steered $15,000 from his family to Mayor Adams’ legal defense fund. Hamilton intervened after lower-level DCAS staffers had already approved a different lease.
The terms of the lease have yet to be finalized, but it was arranged by brokerage CBRE, which had previously made donations to Mayor Adams’ 2025 re-election campaign.
Conclusions
The controversy surrounding Hamilton’s actions has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of city resources for personal gain. The ongoing investigations will likely shed more light on the situation and the potential impact on city government.
FAQs
Q: What is the controversy surrounding Jesse Hamilton?
A: Hamilton, the protege of Mayor Eric Adams, approved three multi-million dollar lease deals arranged by real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, while vacationing with a top broker for the firm.
Q: Is there a conflict of interest?
A: Yes, Hamilton’s trip to Japan with a Cushman & Wakefield executive raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of city resources for personal gain.
Q: What are the lease deals in question?
A: Hamilton approved a 21-year lease for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services to rent 641,000 square feet of space in lower Manhattan, and a pending lease arrangement to relocate the Department for the Aging into 80,000 square feet at 14 Wall St.
