Judge: Massachusetts Town Can’t Stop Discrimination Suit

A federal judge has ruled that a social services agency that wanted to open a group home for recovering drug addicts in Framingham can move forward with its lawsuit against the town.

Judge Douglas Woodlock on Thursday denied a motion to dismiss the discrimination lawsuit filed by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council against Framingham officials. He ruled there was enough evidence for a jury to find that the town unlawfully manipulated zoning laws and created delays in an effort to thwart the home.

He said there was evidence that selectmen, Planning Board and Town Meeting members, may have violated the federal laws.

Framingham’s town manager says the community is working with the agency to resolve the case.

A SMOC spokeswoman says the decision was important for the legal rights of the disabled.