By Jacob Kaye

Eric Ulrich, the commissioner of the Department of Buildings who earlier this week was served a warrant in relation to an alleged illegal gambling investigation, resigned from his post on Thursday.

Ulrich, who previously represented parts of the Rockaway peninsula and South Queens in the City Council, is believed to have voluntarily stepped down from his position as a senior member of Adams’ administration as details of the Manhattan district attorney’s investigation into illegal gambling remain hazy.

“This morning, Eric Ulrich tendered his resignation as DOB commissioner in an effort to, in his words, avoid ‘unnecessary distraction for the Adams administration,’” said Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for the mayor.

“We have accepted his resignation, appreciate him taking this step, and wish him well,” Levy added. “We have no further knowledge of any investigation and, out of respect for his and his family’s privacy, have nothing further to add.”

The now-former commissioner had his phone seized by law enforcement agents and was questioned by investigators with the prosecutor’s office early Tuesday morning.

The Manhattan DA’s office, which is led by District Attorney Alvin Bragg, has yet to comment publicly on the investigation. Ulrich has not been charged with a crime and it’s currently unclear if he is the main subject of the DA’s investigation.

It’s believed that the investigation pre-dates Ulrich’s appointment as DOB commissioner – Adams gave the Republican the post in May of this year following several months of Ulrich serving as a senior advisor to the mayor.

On Wednesday, Adams said it was too early to determine whether or not Ulrich should continue as the DOB’s commissioner.

“It’s really so early for us to be saying we should, we shouldn’t, we should,” Adams said on Wednesday. “The DAs office is going to do their review and that review will determine how to move forward.”

Kazimir Vilenchick, the current first deputy commissioner of the DOB, will take over as acting commissioner of the agency, the mayor’s office said.

This is a developing story. Check back with the Eagle for more.