FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 17, 2004 WWW.USDOJ.GOV CRT (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 FEDERAL HOUSING DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST CITY OF JANESVILLE, IOWA United States Attorney Charles W. Larson, Sr. announced today the filing of a lawsuit alleging the City of Janesville, Iowa, discriminated when it denied the re-zoning request of private developers who sought to build a residential development in Janesville.
The complaint, which was filed November 5, 2004, together with a proposed consent decree, alleges that the City engaged in illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin when, in January 2000, it denied the re-zoning request of Kennith and Cindy Kuhn to build The Arbors, a 116-lot manufactured home community in the City. The United States alleges that the Citys decision was based upon discrimination against Bosnians, Mexicans and other ethnic or racial minorities, who would have sought housing at The Arbors.
Under the proposed consent decree, which still must be approved by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, the City would pay $45,000 in compensatory damages to the developers as well as a $10,000 civil penalty. In addition, the City would be enjoined from further acts of discrimination, would be required to provide Fair Housing Act training to City officials, and would be required to modify its local zoning ordinance. The City also would undertake a Fair Housing outreach plan to support the development of affordable housing in Janesville.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (having children under 18 years old), and disability.
A copy of the proposed consent decree can be obtained on the Justice Departments website at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/caselist.htm.
Source: US Department of Justice
