Audit of PHA intensifies as new leader introduced

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has an interim executive director.  He’s been introduced to the public at the same time federal officials announced plans to take a closer looks into the agency’s books.

 

Michael Kelly is being brought in from New York City’s housing authority where he is second in command.  Kelly says Philadelphia is a well-run housing authority but needs some help to be better.

 

“It’s about accountability at the end of the day these are precious taxpayer dollars, it’s important for us to recognize that each dollar that comes our way is a dollar that needs to be spent not only in an accountable way but in a way that recognizes it’s about people’s lives that it benefits at the end of the day,” said Kelly.

 

Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez was at Kelly’s introduction and said HUD is continuing to probe how Carl Greene ran the local housing authority.

 

“We believe that a forensic audit will allow us to get a more accurate portrayal of the management and operations of the Philadelphia Housing Authority,” Henriquez said.

 

Kelly begins a six-month term to run the agency December second.