Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report

The New York Times today has a fascinating follow-up on the surprise firing last month of William Rapfogel, longtime leader of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, which was the recipient of Barclays Center charitable proceeds and partnered with Forest City Ratner on a bid to redevelop the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area. As the article, Whistle-Blower’s Letter Led to Charity’s Firing of Chief Executive , reveals, a former employee of the charity’s insurance broker reported that money was being skimmed from payments the Met Council made for health insurance, and investigators believe Rapfogel kept some of the money and directed the rest to support political campaigns. As the TImes notes, "The scandal has the potential for significant political ramifications," given Rapfogel's longtime friendship with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, for whom his wife Judy Rapfogel is chief of staff. I wonder if it will touch Forest City Ratner and/or the Barclays Center. Qu...

There are several Forest City Ratner-related angles to the surprise firing yesterday of William Rapfogel, longtime CEO of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty , in what the New York Times headlined  Power Broker, Fired, Faces Inquiry on Political Donations , the New York Post headlined  Shelly pal booted in ‘kickback’ scam , and the New York Daily News called Sheldon Silver ally William Rapfogel is fired as CEO of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty because of 'financial irregularities' . The powerhouse social service agency blamed "financial irregularities and apparent misconduct in connection with the organization’s insurance policies" and sources told the Times could involve improper campaign contributions. Rapfogel's closeness to Assembly Speaker-for-Life Silver, as well as his good reputation among other lawmakers, meant his agency received significant support from the city and state. Now there are questions about exactly how that came about,...