Head of Detroit Land Bank stepping down

Detroit Land Bank Authority Executive Director Carrie Lewand-Monroe is stepping down from the role to work in the private sector.

A news release from the Land Bank says Lewand-Monroe is leaving for a private development and consulting role for Invest Detroit, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

A spokesman for the Land Bank says the move has nothing to do with a federal investigation of the agency and its role in the city's ambitious blight removal program. The Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program is looking at escalating costs and bidding practices associated with the program.

Lewand-Monroe is the third official involved with the demolition program to leave since the federal investigation came to light last April. The program has also been the subject of a state and local review.

In January, Land Bank demolition director Pura Bascos resigned. Last summer, Detroit Building Authority deputy director Jim Wright left his role.

The DLBA says it will conduct a nationwide search for a replacement for Lewand-Monroe. She will remain as executive director through mid-May and will then stay on as a consultant to assist with the transition, among other things.

You can check out the notice of her departure below.