City Council Demands Answers on Conflict of Interest in Japanese Vacation
Committee Chair Seeks Clarity on Lease Deals and Phone Seizures
The chair of the City Council’s government operations committee, Lincoln Restler, has demanded answers to conflict-of-interest questions raised by a vacation in Japan that implicated a mayoral appointee and a top executive at a real estate brokerage. The trip in question was taken by Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services Jesse Hamilton, a longtime ally of Mayor Eric Adams, and Diana Boutross, a vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, which earns a commission from property owners on lease deals.
The Trip to Japan
Last month, Hamilton and Boutross traveled to Japan, accompanied by Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayor’s chief advisor, and Adam Clayton Powell IV, a registered lobbyist who had previously lobbied Hamilton on behalf of a Bronx contractor. The trip raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Hamilton’s role in overseeing the city’s leasing operations and his connections to Cushman & Wakefield.
Phone Seizures
Hamilton’s phone was seized by the Manhattan District Attorney on September 27, along with Lewis-Martin’s phone, in an ongoing investigation of lease deals. Cushman & Wakefield has declined to comment on whether Boutross’ phone was also seized. The company has declined to comment on its role in the investigation and has not provided information on whether it has been investigating its own employees.
Request for Information
In a letter to DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina, Restler asked for the following information:
- Who paid for Hamilton’s travel to Japan?
- Whether Hamilton received a waiver from the city Conflicts of Interest Board in light of his professional connection to Cushman & Wakefield.
- If Hamilton engages with Cushman & Wakefield on leasing matters, and if so, whether that changed after his phone was confiscated by law enforcement.
Background on Lease Deals
The City of New York has been under scrutiny for its lease deals, particularly following a report by THE CITY that revealed that DCAS had leased 641,000 square feet of space in a mostly empty building at 110 William Street, despite the property owners’ financial struggles. The building’s owners had lobbied Hamilton during lease negotiations, and THE CITY has reported on several other multi-million dollar lease deals handled by Cushman & Wakefield.
Conclusion
The situation raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and corruption in the city’s leasing operations. The City Council has a responsibility to ensure that public officials are acting in the best interests of the city and its residents. The demand for information from Committee Chair Lincoln Restler is a crucial step in addressing these concerns and ensuring transparency in government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the investigation?
A: The investigation is looking into possible conflicts of interest and potential corruption in the city’s lease deals.
Q: Who is involved in the investigation?
A: The investigation involves Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services Jesse Hamilton, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayor’s chief advisor, and possibly Diana Boutross, a vice president at Cushman & Wakefield.
Q: What is Cushman & Wakefield’s role in the investigation?
A: Cushman & Wakefield has declined to comment on its role in the investigation and has not provided information on whether it is investigating its own employees.
Q: What is the City Council’s role in the investigation?
A: The City Council, through Committee Chair Lincoln Restler, is seeking information on potential conflicts of interest and corruption in the city’s lease deals.
