Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Patricia Lang v. Rosetree Village Association, Inc./Real Manage, LLC; HUD Case No. 04-20-2631-8; PC Case No. 20-035 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Patricia Lang through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On July 17, 2020, Complainant Patricia Lang filed a housing discrimination charge with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights (PCOHR) alleging Complainant was subjected to unlawful housing discrimination on the bases of handicap and failure to make reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et seq.). Specifically, Respondent’s denial of Complainant’s request to remove the “no parking at any time” sign from in front of Complainant’s villa and install a permanent handicapped parking space closer to her villa due to her disability that adversely affects her gait and balance. Following the investigation, on April 15, 2021, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Complainant was a victim of housing discrimination based on failure to make a reasonable accommodation and failure to allow a reasonable modification, in 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 April 15, 2021.
Final Investigative Report dated April 15, 2021.