Subject:
Title
Proposed initiation of litigation in the case of Brenda Hughes v. Glen Ellen Mobile Home Park L.P. et al.; HUD Case No. 04-22-2371-8; PC Case No. 22-053 - alleged housing discrimination.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and authorization for the County Attorney to initiate litigation on behalf of Brenda Hughes through outside counsel retained for these legal services.
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Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On August 5, 2022, Complainant Brenda Hughes 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 disability: for failure to make a reasonable accommodation and failure to permit a reasonable modification under the Fair Housing Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. §3601, et seq.). Specifically, Respondents denial of Complainant’s request to accommodate her disability by permitting the installation of a ramp in front of her dwelling without compromising her parking space or safety and Respondents’ failure to accept the reasonable modification from a ramp to a lift (because of municipal restrictions) to allow construction to proceed so Complainant would have access to her home. Following their investigation on April 7, 2023, PCOHR issued a finding of reasonable cause to believe that Brenda Hughes was a victim of housing discrimination based on failure to make reasonable accommodation and failure to permit 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 7, 2023.
Final Investigative Report dated April 3, 2023.