NEW YORK – The head of the New York City Department of Buildings resigned Thursday amid a gambling investigation by Manhattan prosecutors, according to three administration officials familiar with the development.
Eric Ulrich, 37, has resigned nearly six months from the day he was appointed to work. His phone was seized earlier this week as part of the investigation, the scope of which was unclear, officials said.
The First Deputy Commissioner of the Construction Department, Kazimir Vilenchik, will serve as interim commissioner. Administration officials said the city had full confidence in its construction team and assured New Yorkers that city services would not be affected by the change.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed he accepted Ulrich’s resignation and appreciated his effort not to become a distraction.
Asked if he was aware of the underlying investigation, Adams, a Democrat, said he only knew the reports he had seen in the newspapers and does not deal with “hearsay.”
Adams’ press secretary Fabien Levy later released an official statement stating the same.
“Eric Ulrich resigned as DOB Commissioner this morning in an attempt, in his words, to avoid” unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration, “Levy said.” We accept his resignation, we appreciate that he took this step. and we wish him well. We are not aware of any further investigations and, out of respect for his and his family’s privacy, we have nothing else to add. “
Ulrich’s legal representation was not immediately clear, nor the details of the Manhattan investigation.
Alvin Bragg’s office declined to comment.
Ulrich, a Republican, served the 32nd Borough of Queens for more than a decade after winning non-partisan special elections to replace an outgoing member of the New York State Senate in February 2009. He was elected to the next three terms and has served up to its met limit. in 2021.
Ulrich was appointed Adams Senior Advisor earlier this year and assumed command of the buildings department in early May. He is also a part-time adjunct professor at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, which is also his alma mater, according to his LinkedIn page.
