Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Curtis Stowe v. Chalet Capri Condominium Association, Inc.; HUD Case No. 04-22-8869-8; PC Case No. 22-009 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Curtis Stowe through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On November 3, 2021, Complainant Curtis Stowe filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subject to unlawful housing discrimination on the bases of race, color and retaliation under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq.). Specifically, after Complainant filed a Fair Housing complaint, Respondent engaged in retaliatory actions which included changing the condominium’s declarations by deleting references to “vacation rental”, instituting a pet restriction (Complainant has 3 dogs), and notifying unit owners that the legal battle with Complainant was the reason planned maintenance and repair projects to the property were cancelled. Following the investigation, on February 28, 2022, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause that Curtis Stowe did experience deliberate and intentional retaliatory acts in response to filing a Fair Housing complaint, a violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the Fair Housing Act, as amended. Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful.
In accordance with Sections 70-146 and 70-147 of the Pinellas County Code, the County Attorney’s Office is required to file a civil action on behalf of an aggrieved party seeking appropriate relief, and if a timely election is not made, to have the charge decided in a civil action.
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Background Information:
The Determination issued by the PCOHR setting forth the facts and applicable law that led to the reasonable cause determination is attached, as well as the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Keiah L. Townsend, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Determination dated February 28, 2022.
Final Investigative Report dated February 28, 2022.