City Real Estate Official’s Promotional Video Raises Eyebrows Amid Controversy
Jesse Hamilton, a top official in the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), is under scrutiny following the release of a promotional video for the Bronx Logistics Center, a warehouse the agency is seeking to purchase. This has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially given ongoing investigations into Hamilton’s dealings with political donors linked to Mayor Eric Adams.
Hamilton, the deputy commissioner responsible for city commercial leases, appeared in the video during a City Council oversight hearing, extolling the Bronx facility as a “phenomenal place” aimed to support city agencies. Councilmembers expressed apprehension, suggesting Hamilton’s promotion of a private site undermines the city’s negotiation efforts. Councilmember Lincoln Restler described Hamilton’s actions as “bizarre,” highlighting that DCAS typically does not advocate for private property owners.
The Bronx Logistics Center, which boasts 1.3 million square feet, is owned by Turnbridge Equities and Dune Real Estate Partners, both of which have lobbied Hamilton in the past. Campaign contributions from the real estate firm JLL, involved in financing the warehouse, to Adams’ campaign have also come under scrutiny, revealing potential conflicts in financial interests.
DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina stated that negotiations are in the “early stages,” yet the video suggests a more advanced consideration. Concerns also linger regarding Hamilton’s previous actions to influence city real estate deals, including an incident earlier this year that saw him intervene in a competitive bidding process favoring a donor to Mayor Adams.
As investigations continue, DCAS contracts related to Hamilton are under review by several entities, including First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, raising further questions about the transparency and ethics of city contracts.
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Photo credit gothamist.com
