BGL obtains favorable resolution for clients in lawsuit, marking a significant step forward in affirming the rights of individuals with disabilities to reasonable accommodations in housing, as protected under the Fair Housing Act. – Technologist

Jack Feldman, a 24-year-old man with significant developmental disabilities, (through his guardian Barbara Feldman) and The Arc of Carroll County (“the Arc”) have favorably settled a lawsuit against Park Place Condominium Inc., its Board of Directors, and Cascade Property Management after Defendants refused Mr. Feldman’s request for reasonable accommodation, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Plaintiffs are represented by managing partner Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum and attorney Lauren DiMartino.

The case was filed when Jack was denied his request to have his around-the-clock caregivers park The Arc’s van in his residential parking lot. Jack receives 24-hour support through The Arc, including in-home assistance and transportation. The Arc provides him with access to a specially equipped van, essential for his safe and secure transportation. However, Park Place and Cascade Property Management refused to allow this van to be parked in the condominium’s residential lot due to a rule prohibiting commercial vehicles, despite Mr. Feldman’s request for an exception as a reasonable accommodation for his disability.

“This case was about Jack’s right to live with dignity and as part of his community, as promised by Olmstead v. L.C.,” said Ms. DiMartino. “It is unfortunate that a lawsuit had to be filed for Jack to receive the reasonable accommodation he needs to enjoy his home at Park Place, but we are satisfied with this resolution and happy that the Feldmans can put this obstacle behind them as they continue to support Jack’s independence.”

The settlement agreement, achieved through the diligent advocacy of Ms. DiMartino and Ms. Krevor-Weisbaum, ensures that Mr. Feldman and his staff can park The Arc’s vehicle in the complex’s overflow lot. Additionally, notices will be posted in common areas and on the residents’ web portal, advising Park Place residents about the Arc vehicle’s authorized presence and directing any concerns to Cascade Property Management. The settlement not only resolves the dispute but also guarantees that Mr. Feldman’s necessary accommodations are respected.

“Brown, Goldstein & Levy has always been committed to advocating for individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve them,” said Ms. Krevor-Weisbaum. “We are proud to have secured this settlement, ensuring that Jack’s rights are upheld and that he can fully enjoy his home without facing discriminatory barriers.”

This resolution marks a significant step forward in affirming the rights of individuals with disabilities to reasonable accommodation in housing, as protected under the Fair Housing Act.

The complaint can be downloaded here.

ABOUT SHARON KREVOR-WEISBAUM

Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum takes great pride in her role as Managing Partner of Brown, Goldstein & Levy while continuing her active practice on behalf of a varied client base. Clients and colleagues alike recognize Sharon as a trusted advisor willing to share her extensive experience, knowledge of the law, passion, and sense of justice openly and freely. She strives to develop deep client-lawyer relationships that emphasize the unique voice and needs of each one of her clients. It is this commitment to justice that makes her a passionate and forceful advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families who confront barriers in education, high-stakes testing, employment, housing, and accessing state and federal services and supports. Learn more about Sharon here.

ABOUT LAUREN DIMARTINO

Lauren DiMartino joined Brown, Goldstein & Levy to represent clients across various areas of civil rights law, including fair housing, education and disability rights, police misconduct, and workplace discrimination. Her practice also includes appeals and commercial litigation. She has a robust practice involving the Fair Housing Act, utilizing it to assist individuals and non-profits impacted by discriminatory conduct. Lauren also advocates for organizations that provide support and services to individuals with disabilities as well as community-based mental health providers—providing advice and counsel on their business needs and the successful provision of their services, negotiating solutions, and litigating where necessary. Learn more about Lauren here.

ABOUT BROWN GOLDSTEIN & LEVY

Founded in 1982, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a law firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, with an office in Washington, DC. The firm is nationally recognized in a wide variety of practice areas, including complex civil and commercial litigation, civil rights, health care, family law, and criminal defense. Above all else, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a client-centered law firm that brings decades of experience and passionate, effective advocacy to your fight for justice.