Haitham A. Hijazi, head of the Prince George’s County permitting department that is being investigated as part of a broadening probe of construction flaws at MGM National Harbor, submitted his retirement Monday.
Hijazi is leaving the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, a spokesman for County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) confirmed. Hijazi, who has led the department since 2013, sent a retirement notice to Baker’s office, spokesman Scott Peterson said.
Hijazi’s department issued the permits and approvals for the MGM facilities, where a child was severely shocked in June when she was swinging on a lighted handrail.
Two county officials familiar with the matter said Hijazi retired to avoid termination from his job, which was a $210,000-a-year post.
Hijazi’s official retirement date is Nov. 30, and he will use his annual leave until then, Peterson said. Nicholas A. Majett, Prince George’s chief administrative officer, will assume Hijazi’s duties until Dec. 3, when the next county executive will be sworn in.