Embattled Community Board Manager Extends Leave Of Absence Again

COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN — Craig Hammerman, the long-time district manager of Community Board 6 charged with stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend, won't be returning to work within the next month.

Hammerman has extended a medical leave of absence again, this time through September 27, according to a notice that CB6 Chari Sayar Lonial sent to the board Wednesday afternoon.

He has not been working for the board since May after news broke that he had been arrested twice, first for stalking and harassment and then for violating a restraining order the ex-girlfriend took out against him.

Hammerman has turned down a plea deal that would see him admit to a lesser violation in connection with those incidents, and his case appears to be headed for trial. Hammerman's attorney, Joyce David, did not return a message left by Patch seeking comment. David has denied the charges.

"Craig, on the advice of his medical practitioner, has decided to extend his LOA until September 27th," Lonial wrote in an email to board members.

"As a Board we wish him nothing but the best and are truly lucky to have the dedicated staff we have in the office. In his continued absence, I have the utmost confidence in Liza, Sarah and Ty to continue to handle the day to day responsibilities of the Brooklyn Community Board six office, as well as other issues should the arise."

Community Board 6 is a volunteer panel that advises the city and state on land-use issues, liquor licenses, landmarks and more in the area that includes Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus and Park Slope. Hammerman is the board's only paid member, making $111,547 in 2016, and has been in the post for more than 20 years.

According to complaints filed by the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, Hammerman used his ex-girlfriend's Uber account to follow her to a Bed-Stuy hotel in late March. He then made phone calls to the front desk to try to speak with her, posing first as a relative then as an Uber driver, the D.A.'s office said.

Less than two weeks later, he violated a restraining order when he sat down next to her at a Park Slope bar and told her he was following her for her "safety," according to the complaints.

After news of the arrests broke, the board announced in May that Hammerman would be taking a leave of absence for health concerns.

The board's personnel, finance and law committee has also met to discuss his future.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Brooklyn Community Board Manager Used Ex's Uber Account To Stalk, Harass Her: DA
• Community Board Manager Remains In Post After Stalking Allegations
• City Law Department, Community Board 6 'Reviewing' District Manager Charged With Stalking Ex
• District Manager Hid Arrests From Community Board Members For A Year, They Say
• Community Board Manager Will Take Leave Of Absence While Stalking Review Continues: Source
• Brooklyn Community Board ‘Considering’ Action Against District Manager Charged With Stalking Ex
• ‘Stalking' Head Of Brooklyn Community Board Leaves Weird Online Trail Ahead Of Court Date
• Brooklyn Community Leader Turns Down Deal In Stalking Case, Attorney Says
• 'Stalking' Community Board Manager Could Return To Work As Case Continues
• 'Stalking' Brooklyn Community Board Manager Extends Leave Of Absence

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