United States v. Town of Wolcott (D. Conn.)

On December 27, 2021, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Town of Wolcott (D. Conn.)  The complaint, filed on December 7, 2020, alleged that the Town of Wolcott, Connecticut discriminated on the basis of disability in violation of the Fair Housing Act when it denied a special use permit to applicants seeking to open a community residence for 13 adults with mental health disabilities and subsequently amended its zoning regulations to eliminate the operation of a community residence for adults with disabilities as a permitted use anywhere in the Town.  The United States’ lawsuit was consolidated with a related suit brought by the housing provider and property owner of the proposed group home, SELF Inc. and L&R Realty Inc.  The consent order provides that the Town will allow SELF. to operate a community residence with up to 13 residents and will pay $350,000 in monetary damages to SELF and L&R Realty as well as $10,000 to the United States.  The order also requires the Town to amend its zoning regulations to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws; implement a reasonable accommodation policy; provide training to Town officials and employees about their obligations under federal law; designate a fair housing compliance officer; and report periodically to the Justice Department.

Press Release (12/06/21)
Press Release (12/7/20)