The PHA board is set to meet Thursday to consider the future of the embattled executive director as the chorus of officials demanding his resignation grows louder by the day. Sources familiar with the discussions said Wednesday the five-member board would suspend Greene for a month while it conducts an investigation but would resist calls, at least for now, that he be fired.
Mayor Nutter on Wednesday released a letter sent to the PHA chairman, former Mayor John F. Street, saying Greene "must be terminated" if allegations of sexual harassment are "accurate" and if payments were made without the board's knowledge.
Nutter also pointedly rebuked the board and Street, saying "the very leadership of PHA is in doubt" and that the agency "sadly, may be suffering from a lack of appropriate oversight."
"I am baffled like most Philadelphians to learn of your contention that you as board chairman had no knowledge of the sexual-harassment cases brought against Mr. Greene," Nutter wrote in his letter to Street.
The secrecy of PHA managers has also infuriated Street, but on Wednesday he said the board had to conduct its own internal investigation before deciding whether Greene stays or goes. As to Nutter's criticism, Street was dismissive. "He's just talking. He has to say something."
Two sources familiar with the PHA board's plans said an internal investigation would be ordered, with the results to be completed within 30 days. The board will also discuss sexual-harassment training and PHA's sexual-harassment policies, including possible changes to those policies, the sources said.
"My understanding is that there will be a call for an investigation of allegations against Mr. Greene," said City Councilwoman and PHA board member Jannie L. Blackwell. "I believe the board will support an investigation, given the public outcry.
