City Investigation Looks into Mayor’s Associate’s Leasing Decisions
DOI Examines Potential Conflicts of Interest
The city Department of Investigation (DOI) is investigating the actions of Jesse Hamilton, a longtime associate of Mayor Eric Adams, who was put in charge of city leases, including a last-minute decision to rent space from a big donor to the mayor’s legal defense fund.
14 Wall St. Lease Raises Questions
Hamilton, the deputy commissioner for real estate at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), steered a lease to an office tower at 14 Wall St., whose owner, Alexander Rovt, had raised donations for the trust set up to pay lawyers representing the mayor in his ongoing corruption case. The examination of the 14 Wall St. deal is just one aspect of a broader inquiry into Hamilton’s activities as the official in charge of the city’s leasing from private sector building owners as well as buying and selling city property.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The inquiry is also looking at potential conflicts of interest between Hamilton and Diana Boutross, the Cushman & Wakefield real estate broker assigned to be DCAS "tenant representative" in leases worth millions of dollars. Boutross receives a commission from private landlords based on the rent agreed to by DCAS, including on three deals approved by Hamilton. The two officials, along with Adams’ chief advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, were among a group that vacationed in Japan in September, then had their phones seized by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office when they landed at JFK Airport.
Council Hearing Raises Questions
After THE CITY first red-flagged the 14 Wall St. deal, the City Council scheduled hearings on Hamilton’s involvement in DCAS leases. During the hearing, DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina defended the deal, claiming it would save the taxpayers $31 million. However, sources familiar with the matter later said Molina misspoke and that the landlord of 250 Broadway would be required to pay for the upgrades under the tentative deal DCAS had worked out.
Review of DCAS Leases
Since revelations about the 14 Wall St. deal surfaced, First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer began reviewing all DCAS leases, and has paused negotiations on the 14 Wall St. lease while that review is ongoing.
Conclusion
The investigation into Hamilton’s activities is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what findings will be uncovered. However, the situation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the use of public office for personal gain.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the DOI investigation?
A: The DOI investigation is looking into potential conflicts of interest and the use of public office for personal gain by Jesse Hamilton, a longtime associate of Mayor Eric Adams.
Q: What is the 14 Wall St. lease?
A: The 14 Wall St. lease is a last-minute decision to rent space from a big donor to the mayor’s legal defense fund.
Q: Who is Diana Boutross?
A: Diana Boutross is the Cushman & Wakefield real estate broker assigned to be DCAS "tenant representative" in leases worth millions of dollars.
Q: What is the outcome of the City Council hearing?
A: The City Council hearing raised questions about the 14 Wall St. deal and the potential conflicts of interest between Hamilton and Boutross.
