Hale Law is pleased to announce that our firm is serving as co-counsel on a class-action lawsuit against the City of New York over transgressions involving a federally funded housing program.
The Mitchel-Lama program, established in the 1950s, was designed to provide moderate-and middle-income families with access to affordable rental and cooperative housing. The complaint alleges that the New York City Department of Housing Preservation (HPD) and its commissioner “failed to assure that the program was administered in a fair manner consistent with the law.”
In particular, the complaint sites irregularities in the application process that caused the plaintiffs to be denied housing. Under the program’s rules, applicants are to be placed on a waiting list or selected according to a lottery process. The plaintiffs allege that either they were never notified units were available or their names were improperly scrubbed from the waiting list, causing them to be denied affordable housing opportunities.
The class-action lawsuit, filed in federal court in Brooklyn, also alleges that the units went to individuals who were connected to the decision-makers and that building managers and city officials have profited from the scheme. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses.
This case highlights Hale Law’s long-standing commitment to civil rights and justice and we look forward to achieving a favorable outcome for our clients.
About the Firm
At Hale Law, our practice is focused on civil rights and personal injury litigation. We routinely handle complex cases that require extensive preparation, powerful negotiating skills, and an ability to present a compelling, well-supported case to a jury. We have a proven history of helping our clients obtain the compensation they need and deserve.