Philadelphia Housing Authority clears the way for payment in sexual harassment case

Estelle Richman, the sole board member for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, cleared the way Friday for the agency to negotiate a $500,000 settlement in a sexual harassment complaint against ousted Executive Director Carl R. Greene.

At PHA's board meeting Friday, Richman approved the use of nonfederal funds to put to rest a complaint filed in April 2010 by former interior designer Elizabeth Helm.

Helm's complaint exposed a culture of fear, intimidation, and secrecy at PHA under Greene.

Michael P. Kelly, PHA's top administrator, now has 30 days to conclude a settlement with Helm.

Helm, 30, accused Greene of making unwanted advances during a dinner to discuss a promotion. She filed complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Greene has denied the allegations.

If she accepts the offer, Helm will be the fourth woman to settle a sexual harassment complaint against the former executive director - but the only one free to talk openly about the case. PHA required the other women, who were paid a combined $648,000, to keep their settlements confidential.

The vote on the Helm settlement came during an unusual board meeting. For the first time in many years, it was held at one of PHA's properties, the Norman Blumberg Apartments in North Philadelphia.

At the June board meeting, more than a few public housing residents complained about having to travel to Center City and then wait for almost an hour on the sidewalk for the meeting to begin.

Richman decided to bring the meeting to the tenants. She said Friday that half the board's future meetings would take place at PHA's Center City offices and half in the field.

"They need to come and see the projects," agreed Lamont Greer, vice president of the tenant council for Blumberg's senior citizens' residence.

Whether Richman will be at future meetings remains in question. Richman, who is also chief operating officer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, hinted that there could be announcements in the next two weeks about her status and Kelly's.

Rumors are circulating that Kelly, on loan from the New York City Housing Authority, may stay on at PHA. At the same time, sources say Richman is being considered to become HUD's deputy secretary. That would raise questions about her ability to continue serving as PHA's commissioner.

"I can neither affirm or deny," Richman said. "But sometimes rumors aren't rumors."