HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0013) M&C 20-0478City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/04/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0478
LOG NAME: 12HRC LAWSUITS (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
SUBJECT
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Attorney to File Lawsuits against Stoneybrook Apartment Homes, Stoneybrook LP, and Madera Residential
GP, LLC.; the Woods of Eastchase, BJR Investments, LLC and Billy Roberts, Individually; the Polo Club Apartments, Polo Partners and Alta
Services Corp.; and James Brand, Individually for Fair Housing Complaints Alleging Discrimination (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Attorney to file lawsuits against: Stoneybrook Apartment
Homes, Stoneybrook LP, and Madera Residential GP, LLC.; the Woods of Eastchase, BJR Investments, LLC and Billy Roberts, Individually; the
Polo Club Apartments, Polo Partners and Alta Services Corp.; and James Brand, Individually.
DISCUSSION:
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and Fort Worth entered into an agreement whereby Fort Worth
investigates and prosecutes Fair Housing complaints. To that end, the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission (FWHRC) conducted an
investigation into four complaints of discrimination in housing, Fair Housing Act violations. In each case, the FWHRC found that reasonable cause
exists to believe that discriminatory and/or retaliatory actions have occurred. Fort Worth attempted to conciliate the cases through its Diversity and
Inclusion Department, but was unsuccessful. Pursuant to federal regulations and Fort Worth's ordinance, either the complainant or respondent may
elect to have the allegations tried in state district court. In the four cases that are the subject of this M&C, such election has been made. Therefore,
staff seeks Council authority to file suit to vindicate the public's interest in the following matters:
1. Stoneybrook Apartment Homes, Stoneybrook LP, and Madera Residential GP, LLC, alleging discrimination on the basis of race in housing;
2. The Woods of Eastchase BJR Investments LLC, and Billy Roberts, alleging discrimination based on disability in housing;
3. Polo Club Apartments, Polo Partners and Alta Services Corp., alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in housing; and
4. James Brand, alleging discrimination on the basis of sex in housing.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City Funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office bT. ALL ACMs 6222
Originating Business Unit Head: Sarah Fullenwider 7623
Chris Mosley 7603
Additional Information Contact: Sarah Fullenwider 7623