An interlocal services agreement between the Hoboken and West New York Housing Authorities was unanimously approved at last night’s HHA meeting, making Bob DiVincent an interim director in Hoboken. One resident also questioned Richard Fox’s qualifications to be acting director.
Hoboken Housing Authority Chairwoman Dana Wefer elaborated on what exactly the partnership with West New York would mean, with Vice Chairman David Mello also chiming in. The vote on the measure passed unanimously.
During the public portion of the meeting, some residents expressed a genuine liking for Bob DiVincent, the West New York Housing Authority Executive Director, who served as the Acting Executive Director in Hoboken during portions of 2006 and 2007.
However, public speaker Dan Alvarez – a Union City resident who frequently attends West New York public meetings.
Hoboken Housing Authority Resident Advisory Board/Tenant Association member Sigsby Cheathem hinted that Fox may have a checkered past, while Alvarez went a little more in-depth on the subject.
According to a report from July 2010 by The Press of Atlantic City, Fox was placed on paid administrative leave before exiting the job, though a reason was not given as to why.
An article in The Stamford Advocate from March 2012 states that Fox abruptly left the board shortly after an audit by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development found that the Connecticut Housing Authority was unable to account for $17.7 million in expenses between 2008 and 2010.
In both instances, Fox was not accused of committing any sort of wrongdoing.
Wefer explained that a nationwide search is being conducted to name a new HHA Executive Director and the agreement with DiVincent and Fox is necessary for the time being.Â