We have previously posted about agreements made by the Philadelphia Housing Authority to settle sexual harassment claims. Now, the PHA is clearing the way for a $500,000 settlement to be paid to an interior designer who had accused the executive director, who has since been ousted, of sexual harassment.

The 30-year-old woman detailed a hostile work environment that bred a culture of fear, secrecy and intimidation, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She accused the man of making unwanted sexual advances when she met with him for dinner to discuss a possible promotion.

After the incident, she reportedly complained to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

She's not alone: Three other women have reached similar settlements for their lawsuits alleging sexual harassment by the former director. They were paid a total of $648,000, and as part of the settlement, were not free to discuss the case openly. That's apparently not the case with this impending settlement, however.

The only board member on the Philadelphia Housing Authority approved using non-federal funds to reach the settlement agreement. The top administrator for the PHA now has a month to conclude a settlement with the interior designer.

It was not clear if the woman might accept the settlement agreement. The ousted director, despite claims coming at him from all directions, has denied the allegations.

According to reports, the meeting at which the settlement was negotiated took place at a PHA property, the Norman Blumberg Apartments in North Philadelphia. That's apparently the first time that's happened in several years.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, "Philadelphia Housing Authority clears the way for payment in sexual harassment case," Jennifer Lin, 23 July 2011