Illinois City Must Pay after Losing Disability Lawsuit

The city of Markham, Ill. must pay $400,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit that alleged officials tried to block the opening of a group home for developmentally disabled men.

St. Coletta’s of Illinois is a non-profit operator of group homes for the developmentally disabled. In November, the organization bought a newly constructed house with plans to relocate six men who were sharing an apartment.

Before moving the men into the house, St. Coletta’s needed to install a sprinkler system and fire alarm. Attorney Nicholas Anaclerio says the organization was met with stall tactics when they attempted to obtain permits.

In the order by U.S. District Judge Milton Shadur, Markham does not admit wrongdoing, but agrees to pay compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and punitive damages.

The six men moved into the house in February.