Syracuse Housing Authority’s lawyer denied allegations of conflict of interest filed with federal housing regulators by SHA Executive Director Bill Simmons against SHA Board of Commissioners Chair Ryan Benz. Questions about the complaint itself remain.
At SHA’s board meeting Thursday, Benz read aloud excerpts of a legal opinion sent by Bradley Hunt, SHA’s attorney, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the investigation of Benz. Hunt wrote that Benz does not have a conflict of interest with the redevelopment of public housing on the Southside.
Hunt, who represents the board and SHA, reviewed conflict of interest forms and financial disclosures for Benz, following a complaint filed Feb. 17 by Simmons. Simmons alleged that Benz’s conflict of interest as a developer lies in partnering with businesses that contract with SHA and are specifically involved with the project, according to a HUD letter that Benz read out at the February board meeting…