Howard officials have planned an outside audit of the county?s housing projects, on the heels of a report revealing the housing department lacks public trust.
“There?s concern in the public about what kinds of projects the [Housing Commission] was involved in and what deals were struck,” County Executive Ken Ulman said.
Officials expect the audit, which doesn?t have a time frame, to begin in the next 20 days, county spokesman Kevin Enright said.
Ulman has instructed the new leadership of the county?s Department of Housing and Community Development to review the affordable housing projects under way or planned.
Centennial Gardens, a planned low-income housing project in Ellicott City, sparked the public scrutiny of the Housing Commission and department. Residents questioned the now-defunct deal between the county and the developers for the 59-unit building.
The department lacks accountability, according to a report released by a subcommittee of Ulman?s transition team tasked with reviewing the department.
“Transparency and communication with citizens are essential to maintain trust in the department,” the report states.
The department also lacks clear goals, and the county doesn?t have a comprehensive housing plan, according to the report.
This plan would lay out all housing programs and specific goals, said subcommittee chairman C. Vernon Gray, who also serves as the head of the Human Rights Office.
The Housing Commission, which serves as the county?s housing authority, currently “lacks criteria, rules or regulations to guide its actions,” the report states.
Better communication with the public might ease concerns about some projects, Gray said.
Although residents might not agree with a proposed development, Gray said “I err on the side of giving information to people, so they know what is going to happen.”
Highlights of Howard transition team subcommittee report
» Develop a strategic plan to address short- and long-term goals
» Implement the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Task Force, released in November, such as creating a housing trust fund to support housing projects
» Launch a public education campaign on affordable housing
