D
eputy Commissioner of Real Estate Services Jesse Hamilton touted the Bronx Logistics Center, a 1.3 million-square-foot warehouse under construction by Turnbridge Equities, in a promotional video. The facility has a Platinum LEED Certification and can accommodate city agencies. Hamilton described it as a "win-win" for all involved.

    However, his promotion of the private property raised eyebrows at a tense City Council hearing on leasing practices. Council members questioned whether Hamilton's agency was considering purchasing the warehouse, which would net brokers up to $13.6 million in commissions. Commissioner Louis Molina acknowledged that he and Hamilton met with brokers from Cushman & Wakefield to discuss buying the logistics center for $670 million.

    Hamilton did not appear at the hearing, but Molina said he had not seen the video before. The agency has not received permission from the city's budget office to acquire the property. Council member Lincoln Restler questioned Hamilton's lack of experience in commercial real estate and his personal connection to Mayor Eric Adams.

    The hearing also focused on reports that Hamilton steered a city lease to Alexander Rovt's 14 Wall Street, despite AmTrust Realty's winning bid for 250 Broadway. Molina acknowledged that a former DCAS general counsel warned about the "optics" of choosing 14 Wall Street but said it was not illegal.

    Molina defended the selection of 14 Wall Street, citing cost savings and the need for capital improvements at 250 Broadway. He noted that negotiations were still fluid before 14 Wall Street was selected and that no one person has complete authority in completing real estate deals.

    The city is expanding its brokerages from two to five, with a request for proposals expected by the end of the year. Comptroller Brad Lander's office has launched an audit of city leasing, while First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer is conducting an overall review.