Nation IN BRIEF : NEW YORK : HUD Official Forced to Approve Project

David Burns, a Department of Housing and Urban Development official, was pressured into approving a housing project for the elderly to be built by a contributor to the campaign of Sen. Alfonse D’Amato (R-N.Y.) after D’Amato wrote the official’s boss urging funding for the project, New York Newsday reported. D’Amato wrote New York HUD regional administrator Geraldine McGann July 22, 1988, urging funds for the $2.1-million project, HUD records show, the report said. Originally JOBCO, a Long Island builder that has generated at least $25,675 in contributions to D’Amato’s campaigns, was to undertake the project, the report said. But two weeks ago, HUD ordered the job put out to bid.