PITTSBURGH - A Mt. Lebanon property owner has sued the township, alleging he and others similarly situated have been forced to pay extra costs associated with sidewalk repair.
Michael C. Alberty filed a class action lawsuit Jan. 5 against Mt. Lebanon Township in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The suit alleges the township has been taxing property owners unequally and disproportionately, violating their equal protection rights under both U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions.
The complaint further accuses Mt. Lebanon Township of forcing property owners to pay disproportionately for the construction, repair, and maintenance of property owned by the township, specifically public sidewalks on township property. According to the filing, this long-standing policy has denied property owners their right to proportionate taxation.
Alberty is seeking injunctive and declaratory relief as well as monetary damages for himself and all similarly situated property owners in Mt. Lebanon Township.
Stephen S. Photopoulos represents Alberty.