New York Construction Report staff writer
New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Eric Ulrich, who is involved in a criminal investigation into illegal gambling, resigned on Thursday, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
According to the statement, Ulrich told the Adams administration he wanted to “avoid ‘unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration,’” Fabien Levy, press secretary to the mayor said. “We have no further knowledge of any investigation.”
“This morning, Eric Ulrich tendered his resignation as DOB commissioner in an effort to, in his words, avoid ‘unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration.’ We have accepted his resignation, appreciate him taking this step, and wish him well. We have no further knowledge of any investigation and, out of respect for his and his family’s privacy, have nothing further to add,” Levy stated.
“DOB First Deputy Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik, P.E. will serve as acting commissioner. We have full confidence in the team at DOB, and the agency remains fully operational. No city services will be impacted.”
The New York Times reported this week that Ulrich was questioned as by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, in connection to an illegal gambling investigation.
Ulrich has not been accused of wrongdoing and that the DA’s probe predates his appointment in the Adams administration, according to the Times report.
