PHILADELPHIA – A company that provides housing for residents with mental disabilities alleges that a municipality is discriminating against it.
Horizon House Inc. filed a complaint on March 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against East Norriton Township alleging discrimination.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff owns properties that provide residential and related services to persons with mental disabilities.
The suit states in December 2018, the plaintiff signed an agreement to purchase a property in East Norriton Township to use as a community residential rehabilitation service home (CRRS).
The plaintiff alleges it was told by the defendant that its usage of the house was not permitted and denied the plaintiff's application for a use and occupancy permit on Dec. 4, 2018.
The suit states the plaintiff submitted its own application for a certificate of occupancy on March 8 and it was again denied on March 14.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant has denied its right to offer a CRRS to disabled individuals.
The plaintiff is seeking to enjoin the township from present and any future discrimination, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Guy Vilim of the Law Office of Guy Vilim LLC in Media.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:19-CV-01252-JD