Prov. official resigns amid lawsuit

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Changes are being made at the Providence Housing Authority, as the embattled executive director turns in his resignation.

Amid allegations of sexual harassment and fraud, the Board of Commissioners voted to accept the resignation of Stephen O'Rourke.

The authority's executive director has been on leave since April. The chairman of the board refused to discuss the terms of the agreement.

"There have been fruitful and ongoing discussions with Mr. O'Rourke and his legal team and at this point, they are ongoing," said Chairman Thomas Ryan. "Technically we do not have a final agreement, so therefore I cannot share with you the contents of that agreement."

The Board of Commissioners voted last night to make former Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul Tavares the interim director of the housing authority.

"As everyone knows, there's been some turmoil at the top of the organization, and in any organization, whether it be political or private, when that's allowed to go on for any period of time, it causes a problem in the workforce," said Tavares. "What I hope to do is bring stability to the organization immediately."

So far no word on when the board will make a decision about a permanent replacement.