Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Marie and James Parker v. Villa Del Mar of Clearwater Condominium Association, Inc.; HUD Case No. 04-19-5671-8; PC Case No. 19-021 - alleged housing discrimination.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval to initiate litigation on behalf of Marie and James Parker through outside counsel retained for fair housing legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
On February 8, 2019, Complainants Marie and James Parker filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainants were subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of disability. Specifically, Respondent’s denial of Complainants’ reasonable accommodation request of an accessible parking space. Following that investigation, on July 1, 2019, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Marie Parker 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), 804(b), 42 U.S.C. 3604(f)(3)(B) and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. 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.
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 July 1, 2019.