April 23, 2021

Chicopee Housing Authority Sued On Charges Of Disability Discrimination

BY Alden BourneNew England Public Media

The U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts is suing the Chicopee Housing Authority and its leader. The lawsuit alleges they violated the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against a woman with end-stage kidney disease.

In 2017, Clover King requested the Chicopee Housing Authority provide her a larger apartment, which was required for her to receive in-home dialysis.

Daniel Bahls, who’s a lawyer with Community Legal Aid, represents King. He said while she remained on a waiting list, her health suffered because she had to opt for out-of-home dialysis fewer days each week.

“We learned that at least 10 individuals, or 10 families, had been moved into units that would have worked, ahead of her,” he said.

Bahls said the Chicopee Housing Authority recently offered his client the kind of apartment she needs, and she’s since moved in.

The complaint seeks monetary damages for King, and new policies and procedures at the agency.

Bahls said the case is the fifth his group has handled recently against the Chicopee Housing Authority, and that they have all alleged discrimination.

The housing authority’s executive director, Monica Blazic, declined to comment.