Domenic Recchia pushes for transparency at the HPD
11:12 am • 8 December 2011
The Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has been at the center of some questionable developments and allegations of outright corruption lately, so it’s noteworthy that Councilman Domenic Recchia, who also chairs the Finance Committee, is introducing legislation requiring far more digital openness from the department.
From a press release sent out this morning, the legislation would require the HPD to post the following information online:
- The reason why a developer was selected at the culmination of the bid process
- The wages and description of work for each employee in connection with the project.
- A description of the source and value of any financial assistance expended by the city in connection with the project
- The dollar amount of each contract related to the project including maximum expenditure, current encumbrances (leases, mortgages, restrictions), and actual expenditures.
Recchia’s statement:
“It is important that the public is aware of the details surrounding various projects being built in this city. Making data in relation to HPD projects available online is a step in the right direction towards increased transparency. It provides assurances to those involved with the projects that workers are being properly compensated and that contracts are being awarded fairly.”
