New York City plans to maintain its existing multi-million-dollar contracts with a landscaping company owner who was recently convicted of involvement in a $2.4 million bribery scheme as well as bid-rigging activities.

Glenn Griffin, proprietor of Griffin’s Landscaping based in Westchester County, will continue to secure approximately $25 million in tree planting contracts with the Parks Department, despite pressure from numerous city councilmembers and officials to sever ties with his firm, following his legal convictions.

Last week, Griffin, aged 56, was sentenced to two years in prison after federal authorities revealed he bribed a Town of Cortlandt employee to illegally dump hazardous concrete, soil, and other materials on public land. Additionally, Griffin was found guilty of defrauding the nearby village of Croton-on-Hudson through submitting false, inflated bids for projects he didn’t perform, repeatedly ensuring he would be the lowest bidder.

Despite these findings, the Parks Department intends for Griffin’s Landscaping to continue assisting in its goal to plant about 18,000 street trees annually over the next decade, part of its ongoing urban greening efforts. The contractor has been a top performer since 2017, and officials argue that, given the limited pool of qualified vendors, continuing the contract aligns with procurement rules and city interests, provided oversight remains under the Department of Investigation.

Other allegations against Griffin include violations of labor laws and failure to pay overtime wages, raising concerns over workers’ rights. A local councilmember remarked that Griffin’s legal issues reflect broader issues of corruption, emphasizing the necessity for the city to end its contracts with him.

City officials and community leaders, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, criticized the ongoing business relationship, stating that Griffin’s actions undermine public trust. They advocate for greater accountability, transparency, and integrity in city contracting practices to prevent misuse of public funds and protect workers.