WASHINGTON -- D.C. Council members are questioning why Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration went around them as it awarded tens of millions of dollars in contracts to build parks and recreation centers.
The mayor's office funneled at least $82 million through the D.C. Housing Authority for the projects. Much of the work was performed by companies with ties to Fenty.
By law, the council must approve contracts that exceed $1 million.
The housing authority has autonomous procurement authority, Fenty spokeswoman Mafara Hobson said. She didn't explain why the administration went through the housing authority to build the facilities.
Some contracts went to Banneker Ventures, a firm owned by a Fenty fraternity brother, Omar Karim and RBK Landscaping and Construction, owned by Fenty's friend Keith Lomax.
