By Nick Gale,, WLS-AM News
(CHICAGO) The Justice Department has filed a civil lawsuit against the village of Tinley Park, alleging that the southwest suburb violated the Fair Housing Act when it refused to approve a low-income housing development in response to race-based community opposition.
The suit alleges that in 2015, the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation sought to build a 47-unit apartment complex for low-income individuals just outside of Tinley Park’s downtown. The project would be financed through Low Income Housing Tax Credits administered by the Illinois Housing and Development Authority. The suit alleges that Tinley Park discriminated against prospective tenants of the proposed development when it refused to approve the project despite the Tinley Park Planning Department’s finding that the project was in “precise conformance” with the applicable building requirements. Under Tinley Park’s zoning ordinances, Tinley Park’s Plan Commission should have approved the project and allowed construction to begin. Instead, the lawsuit alleges that in response to vocal and, at times, race-based community opposition, Tinley Park trustees requested the Plan Commission table consideration of the project. The Plan Commission did so, stalling the project indefinitely.
“Our office is committed to fighting unlawful discrimination wherever it occurs, including in fair housing,” said United States Attorney Zachary Fardon. “Where appropriate, we will pursue local governments that try to reduce affordable housing opportunities for discriminatory purposes.”
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Chicago, seeks a court order requiring Tinley Park to approve the development and to take other action to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act. It also seeks monetary damages for persons harmed by Tinley Park’s actions as well as a civil penalty.
@ 2016 WLS-AM News
