Records reveal that the families of some candidates in the Borough of Manhattan own a residential complex in Maryland that has accumulated 1,600 violations related to rodents, mold, and other serious issues.
Brad Hoyleman Cigar, a Democrat and advocate for tenant rights endorsed by the Tenant’s Political Action Committee, is connected to the Tower Apartments, a complex with 457 units located in Silver Spring, Maryland, through his marriage.
Currently serving as a state senator, Hoyleman Cigar is competing against Eastside councillor Keith Powers in the Democratic primary for borough president, having previously opposed rent increases and evictions.
A review of financial disclosures and public records indicates that the candidate’s husband, David Cigal, has ownership of three apartments, including the Windsor Court, which has faced numerous citations in both Maryland and Virginia.
The violations include serious issues, with records showing 202 related to rats, 67 for bed bugs, 128 for roach infestations, and another 128 for mold.
Tenants have expressed their grievances on platforms like Yelp. One tenant mentioned in 2021 that the infestation was worse than in some areas of New York, saying, “There are cockroaches and mice infiltrated here.”
Another resident described in 2023 the frustration of dealing with mice jumping onto furniture that belonged to a newborn, revealing that their child had developed a rash due to the situation.
In 2022, one reviewer quipped about the rodent issue, saying, “Undoubtedly, the rodent population is the residents of Windsor apartments.” More complaints surfaced regarding safety issues, such as vandalism and trespassers, noted by tenants in 2023 and 2024.
Over the past ten years, the property manager’s lawyer has filed 700 notices of failure against Windsor Court tenants in Maryland District Court, with a significant number in 2024 and the preceding years.
As per the senator’s 2024 financial statements, David Cigal was reported to hold a 25% stake in the Windsor Court complex, although Hoyleman Cigar later clarified that this was a mistake and that the actual ownership stake was just 2.5%.
The filings also reflect 1.5% ownership of Beacon Hill Apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, and 1.97% in another complex in Falls Church, Virginia.
Hoyleman Cigar disclosed revenue from the property ranging from $30,000 to $110,000 in 2023.
A seasoned tenant leader criticized Hoyleman Cigar, suggesting he should align his actions with his advocacy. The leader stated, “If you want to represent tenants, then I don’t think anyone benefiting from being a slumlord should run for office, especially with the challenges facing middle- and low-income residents.”
In response, a spokesperson for the candidate stated he should not be labeled a slumlord and emphasized that “Brad’s husband has a passive 2.5% stake in the Maryland housing developments, with no involvement or control.” The spokesperson noted the incorrect percentage had been a result of typographical errors in the public disclosures.
They reiterated that Hoyleman Cigar remains firmly committed to the defense of tenant rights and affordable housing, despite the complexities of his personal ties.
