Houston/ Real Estate & Development
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Published on October 10, 2024
Houston Housing Authority Holds Firm on CEO's Position Despite Over-Budget Projects and Management ConcernsSource: Google Street View

The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) held a special board meeting yesterday to discuss the employment of CEO David A. Northern, Sr., against a backdrop of concerns over budget overruns and project completion. The discussions about Northern's future with the authority concluded after a lengthy closed-door session, with the board electing to take no action. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, the meeting's outcome suggested friction between the board members and Northern, who was appointed in February 2022.

The tension seemed compounded by several issues, including a recent over-budget landscape improvement project for Cuney Homes. According to a report by KPRC 2, the project aimed to enhance the connection between the Cuney Homes and Columbia Tap Trail, but despite the overspending, the promised amenities have failed to truly materialize. KPRC's investigation further revealed that the HHA allocated $643,500 for this project but ended up spending over $766,000 - a staggering $123,000 over budget, without fully delivering on the improvements that were eagerly anticipated by residents.

Much of the criticism has been directed towards mismanagement and a potential lack of transparency under Northern's leadership. Notably, the KPRC 2 report detailed that a subcontractor was allegedly responsible for cashing a check while leaving certain components of the project, such as lights and a chess table, undelivered. The Chairman of the Houston Housing Authority board, appointed by Mayor John Whitmire, expressed commitment to operating ethically, stating the board's dedication to transparency and honesty in a statement obtained by KPRC 2.

Amid these issues, the Mayor replaced five of the board's seven members earlier this year, and external audit reviews uncovered "deficiencies" in their bookkeeping and oversight of the federal voucher program, the Houston Chronicle reported. These revelations, intertwined with the public outcry over the unfinished community enhancement projects, underscore an overarching anxiety over the stewardship of vital housing resources in Houston.

Despite the scrutiny, Northern's employment remains intact following the special board meeting. Neither the housing authority nor Northern have publicly commented on the specific criticisms or the state of the unfinished projects, beyond addressing the need for greater efficiency and oversight in future developments. The community's concerns about the efficient use of their tax dollars, along with questions regarding accountability, remain pressing topics for Houstonians dependent on the HHA's services.

Houston-Real Estate & Development