Philadelphia Housing Authority Legal Payouts 'Outrageous' ($30 mil)

Michael P. Stephens, acting inspector general of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, called for "aggressive reform" at the scandal-ravaged Philadelphia agency. Under federal law, the Inspector General's Office is independent of HUD, which temporarily took control of PHA last week after forcing the resignation of the board and its chairman, former Phila Mayor John F. Street. "Having reviewed many housing authorities over the years, it is clear that the board & executive director of the Phila Housing Authority tremendously abused their positions," Stephens said. "The outrageous fees paid to law firms were unnecessary & exorbitant & denied...