A New Buildings Commissioner Is Needed in New York City After the Department’s Former Head Resigns

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: November 5, 2022

A new Buildings Commissioner is needed in New York City. This comes after the department’s former head resigned, reportedly due to an investigation of a case of illegal gambling. According to a report from the New York Times, Eric Ulrich’s phone was taken by investigators from Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The phone was taken as part of a search warrant.

Eric Ulrich, a former NYC councilman from Queens, was appointed commissioner of the Department of Buildings (DOB) in May after serving as Mayor Eric Adams’s advisor. The DOB is the city’s regulatory body that is responsible for enforcing zoning and code resolution.

The resignation was confirmed in a statement made by a spokesperson for Adams – Fabien Levy. The statements read, “This morning, Eric Ulrich tendered his resignation as DOB commissioner in an effort to”, in his words, “avoid unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration”. Eric Ulrich, although a Republican, backed Eric Adams, who is a Democrat, in last year’s mayoral election.

First deputy commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik will serve as the acting commissioner of the agency, according to Fabien Levy, who is the press secretary to Mayor Eric Adams. Fabian Levy also noted that the department is still completely operational, and that Eric Ulrich’s departure will not have any effects on any services.

Erich Ulrich Has Past Ties with Gambling

Erich Ulrich has past ties with gambling. The Times reports that while Erich Ulrich was still a sitting councilman in 2018, he sent a letter on the letterhead of his office for an associate of organized crime who was sentenced after being found guilty of gambling-related offenses in federal court.

According to the New York Daily News, Erich Ulrich reportedly disclosed winnings he made from Resorts World New York City in 2016. These winnings were in thousands of dollars. It included a $7,500 jackpot from a quarter slot machine.

New Casino Licenses May Be Issued in New York City

As many as three casinos could be allowed to operate in New York City. Earlier this year, state lawmakers established a budget that gave the state’s Gaming Commission permission to issue a request for licenses. Hard Rock International has already identified three sites for expansion in New York.

The commission unveiled the first three members of the Gaming Facility Location Board last month. This board will ultimately make the decision on whether to approve applicants. Following the appointment of 3 of the 5 members on October 3, the state had a 90-day window to release the solicitation for a license.

While the government has yet to proceed with legalizing online casinos in New York, land-based casinos still require plenty of due diligence and fence hoping in order to operate.

Any applicant that will be considered by the board for licensure must first get 2/3 support from a local board. Appointees by the mayor and the governor, locally elected officials, and the borough president would be included in that board.

Other downstate communities are anticipated to apply for licenses as well. Many believe Genting Group (owners of Resorts World New York City) and MGM Resorts International (owners of Empire City) are more likely to be awarded licenses. If they are approved, they could move from video lottery terminals (VLT) to slot machines. They would also be able to offer live table games.