Some Local Officials Criticize Patrick Housing Overhaul

Some local housing authority officials are attacking a plan laid out Thursday by Gov. Deval Patrick to consolidate their offices into state-run boards.

The governor's plan would combine 240 housing authorities into six regional ones.

Richard Legow, the commissioner of the North Attleboro Housing Authority, said Patrick's overhaul would create unneeded bureaucracy.

"The closer government is to the people, the better that government works," Legow said.

But the governor said local governments would still keep some authority.

"Local communities will retain control over land use and significant redevelopment decisions, including siting decisions, change of use of an existing building or vacant lot, and tenant engagement," Patrick said.

The governor says the move would save the state as much as $10 million a year.