Philly's New Interim Housing Head Is A Loaner From NYC

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than a month after Philadelphia Housing Authority executive director Carl Greene was formally ousted by the agency's board (see previous story), a new, interim director has been hired.  He's a top housing official from New York City, on loan by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Officials at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development are still probing the 12-year reign of fired PHA chief Carl Greene, and the feds wanted someone with a proven track record to immediately replace him.

So, at HUD's request, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has loaned the general manager of that city's housing agency, Michael Kelly, to serve as interim PHA chief here.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who sits on the PHA board, is thrilled with the appointment of Kelly.

"He's a man with 25 years' experience.  He knows how we run our PHA.  He represents the largest housing authority in the country.  So I think it will be a win-win for everybody," she said.

Kelly, who spent ten years running public housing in Washington, DC, turned down our request for an interview.

Now, the PHA board and HUD turn to the next task: finding a permanent executive director.

Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn.
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