UPDATE: We spoke with Mayor Pantelides about the departure this afternoon. The HACA Board called the Mayor earlier this week as a courtesy to advise that they were unhappy with Colbert’s performance and would be terminating his contract. The Mayor did not know specifically when he was terminated as it was not a City function. The City does not have any direct oversight of the Board actions; yet they appoint the members.
The Housing Authority of Annapolis cannot seem to keep any type of leadership in place. We have just learned that Melvin Colbert (an Annapolis native), who was only named Executive Director in February of this year. He was named Executive Director at the same time Derek Matthews was named Director of Security. Matthews subsequently withdrew his candidacy after Eye On Annapolis broke the story about his federal conviction for bribery.
By all indications, Colbert was doing a fantastic job. Just last month, he was spearheading a street-corner ministries project to add some cohesion to the neighborhoods.
This comes at a bad time for Annapolis and Mayor Pantelides as violent crime, particularly in public housing is on target for an all-time high. Last month, a woman was killed in the Robinwood neighborhood; last week, a man was killed in the Bywater community; and just last night, a woman was shot in the Newtowne 20 neighborhood which was the scene of another murder back in January.
No further details are available at this point. We will update the story as we learn more.
HACA board chairwoman wouldn't comment and the executive director, who is gone, also wouldn't comment.
— Chase Cook (The tiels are Poe and Stanley) (@chaseacook) August 3, 2016
All I know is he isn't with HACA anymore. Not sure official last day, but @MayorPantelides and other sources confirmed. Don't know last day.
— Chase Cook (The tiels are Poe and Stanley) (@chaseacook) August 3, 2016
The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis' executive director is no longer with the organization. No confirmation if firing/resignation
— Chase Cook (The tiels are Poe and Stanley) (@chaseacook) August 3, 2016
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