On Dec. 14, the United States settled their federal civil rights lawsuit against Centanni. Now, Centanni will pay $4.5 million as part of the settlement. According to the New York Times, if the settlement is approved by a judge, this case will become the largest settlement the Department of Justice “has ever secured in a case involving sexual harassment in housing.” Also according to the NYT, the bulk of the settlement is expected to go to the victims. Centanni is also facing separate criminal charges. 

Kennedy Hunt P.C. applauds the Department of Justice for advocating for the victims of Centanni. As a civil rights law firm, we are committed to the belief that all people deserve access to fair housing, free of coercion, harassment, and assault. If you or someone you know has been a victim of housing discrimination, our skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt, P.C. may be able to help you. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim. 

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Trinity Sober Living owned this house in Hinsdale to provide housing for men recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. (Kimberly Fornek / Pioneer Press)

On June 16, 2019, Trinity purchased a five-bedroom home located in Hinsdale, IL. Trinity interviewed to operate the home as a sober living home for persons in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction. In August 2019, Trinity made a request for a reasonable accommodation to waive the number of unrelated persons who could live together as a family in order to operate the sober home under the zoning restrictions in Hinsdale. Instead of granting the accommodation, Hinsdale responded by filing a lawsuit to evict Trinity the next day.

On November 24, 2020, the United States Department of Justice filed a companion lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges similar violations of the Fair Housing Act and seeks to enforce its provisions against the Village of Hinsdale. The lawsuit also seeks civil penalties.  You can read more about the companion lawsuit here, and well as the DOJ press release here.

Kennedy Hunt, P.C.’s attorneys are experienced in handling Fair Housing matters. Please contact us for a consultation if you believe you have experienced Fair Housing Act violations.

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On March 16, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Richard H. Mills granted Partial Summary Judgment on behalf of the Plaintiffs in Valencia, et al. v. City of Springfield, as to the liability of Defendant, City of Springfield, Illinois.  Valencia v. City of Springfield, No. 16-3331 (C.D. Ill. Mar. 16, 2020). Read the opinion here.

Valencia, et al. v. City of Springfield alleges discrimination by the City of Springfield, Illinois, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the closure of a three-person group home in Springfield, Illinois, allegedly in violation of the a discriminatory City ordinance requiring 600 ft. of space between group homes in the City. Kennedy Hunt, P.C. represents Plaintiffs Individual Advocacy Group, a provider of in-home support to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the sister of one of the former residents of the home, now deceased. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief against the City and damages to compensate the Plaintiffs for the injuries caused by the City.

The U. S. Dep’t of Justice filed a companion case, U.S. v. City of Springfield, No. 17-3278 (C.D. Ill.), alleging the City’s ordinance violates the Fair Housing Act. The companion case also seeks injunctive relief and damages for the individuals it represents, as well as a civil penalty against the City.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

A preliminary injunction order was entered by Judge Richard Mills prohibiting evictions while the case was pending. The City appealed the decision immediately to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The Seventh Circuit denied the appeal. You can read the preliminary injunction order here and read more about the appeal here.

Both parties moved for summary judgment. On March 16, 2020 Judge Richard Mills granted summary judgment on behalf of Plaintiffs and the Department of Justice, finding the City liable for its discriminatory conduct. Judge Richard Mills denied summary judgment on behalf of the City, holding there were still genuine issues of material facts in regard to the City’s arguments.

This case is now set for a jury trial on the issue of damages, injunctive relief, and the civil penalty to be imposed against the City.

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The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968.  It protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for housing. The presentation provided background on the Fair Housing Act and discussed what practices are prohibited under the Act, as well as the type of evidence required to succeed under the Act.

The presentation can be viewed here.

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Photograph courtesy of www.fedbarchicago.org

On February 8th, 2018, Thomas Kennedy, III argued in front of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, Illinois. 

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of individuals with disabilities who reside in a group home in Springfield, Illinois. The lawsuit alleges that a zoning ordinance imposed by the city would force our clients out of their home and into institutions, in violation of the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

The oral argument was heard by Judge Frank H. Easterbrook, Judge Daniel A. Manion, and Judge Joel M. Flaum.

To listen to the oral argument, click the “play” button, below.

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