Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Shantelle Andre v. The Wave Condo Association of St. Petersburg, Inc.; HUD Case No. 04-19-8369-8; PC Case No. 19-068 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Shantelle Andre through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On August 21, 2019, Complainant Shantelle Andre filed a charge of housing discrimination with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the basis of discrimination in terms/conditions/privileges relating to rental, failure to make reasonable accommodation, and other discriminatory acts under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et seq.). Specifically, Respondent questioned the validity of and the request for supporting documentation for Complainant’s handicap placard and ticketing her vehicle twice while it was parked in the complex’s handicapped space. Following the investigation, on February 28, 2020, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Shantelle Andre was a victim of housing discrimination based on her allegations in violation of Article II, Division 3 of Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code and the Fair Housing Act, as amended. However, PCOHR found no cause under the allegation of failure to make reasonable accommodation. 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.
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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
Diriki T. Geuka, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Office of Human Rights
Attachments:
Determination dated February 28, 2020.
Final Investigative Report dated February 26, 2020.