Eric Brown Abruptly Resigns

In a press release issued this afternoon by the attorney representing the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA), Eric Brown, the Executive Director since 2005 has resigned effective immediately. No reason was given.

HACA has been harshly criticized in the past for failure to maintain properties, their banning practices and more. However, Mr. Brown seemed to have the full support of the City and the Board of HACA up until the recent appointment of Carl Snowden as Chairman of the Board..

Even more interesting is the appointment of Joseph Johnson, former Chief of Police for Annapolis who was named head of security and will be the point man for HACA until a replacement for Brown can be found. Johnson was an Ellen Moyer appointee to lead the City’s police department and was forced out of office when the crime rate soared under his watch. Chief Johnson was replaced by Chief Pristoop who has seen a decline in crime city wide under his watch.

Neither Eric Brown, Alan Hyatt, nor Carl Snowden (HACA Board Chairman) could be reached for comment.

Full release after the jump.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 13, 2010) — The Housing Authority for the City of Annapolis announced that Eric C. Brown has resigned his position as Executive Director. “Mr. Brown performed capably as Executive Director for the Housing Authority and we wish him well in his future endeavors”, said Carl O. Snowden, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority. Mr. Brown stated the following: “I am proud of my numerous accomplishments with the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis and hope the organization continues to prosper in the future, however, I felt it was time to move on.” Mr. Brown has served as Executive Director for the Housing Authority since October 2005.An interim Executive Director shall be appointed in the near future. Joseph Johnson, retired Chief of Police for the City of Annapolis, has been appointed as Director of Security for the Housing Authority and pending the selection of an interim Executive Director the Housing Authority staff shall report to Mr. Johnson.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. the Housing Authority, in conjunction with the City of Annapolis, will be conducting a clean-up campaign in the Robinwood community. This is one of a series of activities that are designed to involve residents of public housing improving the aesthetics of public housing communities. 150 families reside in the
Robinwood community, which is located in Ward 6. The event at Robinwood will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Elected officials, community leaders and volunteers are expected to attend.

The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis owns 10 communities within the City of Annapolis which houses 3,500 residents.