Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
November 4, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — “One of the great strengths of our Administration is the expertise and insight not only of our Commissioners but also of their deputies. Before joining the New York City Housing Authority, Mike Kelly led the housing authorities of San Francisco, New Orleans and the District of Columbia. When our former City Housing Commissioner and current HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Mayor Nutter asked about the prospect of Mike temporarily leading the Philadelphia Housing Authority through this transition period, I offered my full support.
“Under NYCHA Chairman John Rhea’s leadership, Mike has helped develop an innovative, long-term plan for New York City’s public housing stock. Earlier this year, he was instrumental in helping NYCHA complete the largest mixed-finance transaction in public housing history, resulting in $300 million in additional capital and operating funds for the authority.
“John Rhea has built a talented team at NYCHA, and in Mike’s absence, the authority will move full steam ahead with its initiatives. I’m glad that Mike will have an opportunity to use his experience to help our sister city, and we all wish him luck – and a quick return.”
Statement of New York City Housing Authority Chairman John B. Rhea:
“This request from HUD is a tribute not only to Mike’s ability and expertise, but also a tribute to the superior management staff that we have in place here at NYCHA. While we will miss Mike during this period, we are confident that our very strong team that he has helped put together will continue to operate at the top of their game.”
Statement of New York City Housing Authority General Manager Michael Kelly:
“I share Chairman Rhea’s confidence in the staff at NYCHA. My experience at NYCHA, coupled with my 20-plus years managing large and complex housing authorities, will allow me to quickly step in and provide temporary leadership at the Philadelphia Housing Authority.”
Contact:
Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent
(212) 788-2958
Lynn Godfrey / Sheila Stainback
(NYCHA)
(212) 306-3322
