NYC to Maintain Contract with Convicted Landscaper

New York City has decided to continue its multi-million dollar contract with Griffin’s Landscaping, owned by Glenn Griffin, despite his recent conviction in a bribery scheme worth $2.4 million and additional fraud charges.

Griffin, based in Westchester County, is permitted to keep a tree planting contract with the parks department valued at around $25 million. This decision comes even as over 20 city council members and other officials have urged the city to sever ties with his landscaping business.

The 56-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison last Wednesday after federal officials charged him with illegally dumping hazardous materials in Cortland. They revealed that Griffin also engaged in making “fake, non-competitive, inflated bids,” which assured he remained the lowest bidder, affecting nearby Croton-on-Hudson.

Yet, Griffin’s Landscaping is still tasked with helping the parks department meet its ambitious goal of filling all available street tree planting spots within the next decade, aiming to plant about 18,000 trees each year. The company has been one of the leading contractors in the division since 2017, although the pool of eligible vendors for this kind of work is reportedly limited.

A representative from the Parks department defended the decision to keep the existing contract, suggesting it aligns with procurement rules and serves the best interests of New Yorkers, provided oversight by the city’s Department of Research continues.

There are also allegations against Griffin and at least one associate concerning violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including the non-payment of overtime wages to workers, according to council member Shekal Krishnan.

“The indictment of Glenn Griffin illustrates a troubling trend of corruption involving him and his landscaping company,” Krishnan stated. He emphasized that in light of Griffin’s prison sentence, all contracts with him should be terminated immediately.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson expressed strong disapproval of Griffin’s situation, calling it “unacceptable.” She stated, “Griffin’s actions indicate a serious breach of public trust, and it is inappropriate for him to maintain urban contracts worth millions.” Additionally, she stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the spending of public funds.