Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Francis Dandrea v. Lakeview of Largo Condominium Association, Inc., et al.; HUD Case No. 04-19-6988-8; PC Case No. 19-053 - alleged housing discrimination.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval to initiate litigation on behalf of Francis Dandrea through outside counsel retained for fair housing legal services.
Body
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
On May 13, 2019, Complainant Francis Dandrea filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) on behalf of himself and his wife Dolores Dandrea alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of disability. Specifically, Respondent’s denial of Complainant’s request of reasonable accommodation to use the washer and dryer unit in his unit for medical reasons. Following that investigation, on June 26, 2019, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Francis Dandrea was a victim of housing discrimination based on disability, in violation of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the FHAA, including, but not limited to, Sec. 804(f)(3)(B), 42 U.S.C. § 3604. Attempts to conciliate the matter were unsuccessful.
In accordance with Section 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.
Background Information:
The Determination issued by PCOHR setting forth the facts and applicable law that led to the reasonable cause determination is attached, as is the Final Investigative Report.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Diriki Geuka, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Final Investigative Report dated June 25, 2019.
Determination dated June 26, 2019.