By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Shortly after taking office, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown appointed a special counsel to review HUD's comprehensive report of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority practices. That report is now expected to be ready for the Mayor's review.
Mayor Brown says he was expecting Buffalo attorney John Elmore to submit his final report at any time. Elmore was given just three weeks to conduct a full review of the HUD the findings and issue recommendations to the city.
The recent HUD report cited lavish spending on trips and cell phones by some BMHA commissioners. Local HUD field office director Steve Banko said the report issued 30 findings. He called it disturbing, and fears it was just the "tip of the iceberg."
Brown tells WBFO News he has talked to a couple of the commissioners. But with Elmore conducting his review, Brown says he didn't get into specifics with those commissioners.
"We are going to use attorney John Elmore's report to determine recommendations on how to move forward and correct the problems at the BMHA," Brown said.
Three of seven BMHA commissioners stepped down to allow for changes under the new Brown Administration. But four commissioners remain on the board, refusing to leave. Brown says Elmore's recommendations will guide the City on potential changes within the BMHA. Brown says once he reviews Elmore's report he will release an "action plan."
"And when we receive that report, we are going to move very quickly to put our action plan in place to correct problems at BMHA."
Brown says once they are ready, they will move forward aggressively to make sure the housing authority is functioning properly. Some lawmakers have called for reforms, but the city has been advised not to dissolve the BMHA because it would risk loosing vital federal housing dollars.