City Investigating Alleged Harassment By NYCHA Boss

NEW YORK — Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration is investigating allegations that a top New York City public housing official harassed staffers under him.

The corporate counselor's office in the city Law Department is probing the accusations that New York City Housing Authority General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo has berated other employees so badly that they've been forced to leave, according to mayoral press secretary Freddi Goldstein.

The investigation came in response to the New York Daily News's expose on Mustaciuolo's alleged misbehavior in the troubled public housing authority. Mustaciuolo has particularly directed his outrage at women and has made at least five staffers cry, the paper reported late Tuesday, citing accounts from several current and former NYCHA employees.

The city's probe of Mustaciuolo is expected to be complete in a few weeks, Goldstein said. She echoed de Blasio's praise of Mustaciuolo, saying he has "done an extraordinary job addressing a number of major challenges at NYCHA."

"Nonetheless, we take these allegations seriously and a full and objective investigation is underway," Goldstein said in a statement.

Mustaciuolo took over as NYCHA's general manager in January 2018 after more than 30 years at the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. He has since been credited with helping to stabilize the city's beleaguered public housing even as it continues to struggle with lead paint, heating breakdowns and other problems.

Mustaciuolo's sterling reputation has insulated him from punishment for his alleged workplace harassment, according to the Daily News. When one woman complained to NYCHA's chief of staff about Mustaciuolo's frequent screaming, she was reportedly told, "You just have to find a way to keep him happy."

At least 18 senior NYCHA officials — including 14 women — have been forced out or quit the agency during Mustaciuolo's tenure, the Daily News reported.

A NYCHA spokesperson did not say whether Mustaciuolo will continue working full-time while the Law Department's investigation proceeds.

"While we have received no formal complaints, we take these allegations seriously," the NYCHA spokesperson said in a statement. "We’ll ensure they are promptly and thoroughly investigated."