Springfield to pay $293K for trying to close group home

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The City of Springfield has been ordered to pay $293,000 in damages for trying to close a group home for people with developmental disabilities in 2016.

A federal jury awarded the money after a two-day trial that ended on Tuesday.

The United States Justice Department says in 2014 three people with intellectual and physical disabilities moved into a single- family home on Noble Avenue in Springfield.

The residents received help from community residential services from a state-licensed provider, Individual Advocacy Group (IAG).

Two years the City of Springfield tried to shut down the home, citing a local spacing ordinance that prohibits two homes for individuals with disabilities from operating within 600 feet of one another.

The U.S. sued the city in 2017.

A court ruled the justice department's favor in 2020, saying the city violated the Fair Housing Act.

The city must now pay $162,000 in compensatory damages to the residents of the home and their guardians; and $131,000 in compensatory damages to IAG.

“The Fair Housing Act prevents cities from maintaining discriminatory zoning laws and enforcing them against their citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. “This verdict recognizes the significant pain and real harm that results when officials undertake discriminatory action to block group homes. We will continue to vigorously enforce the FHA to ensure that people with disabilities can live in the communities and housing of their choice, free from discrimination.”

“Persons with disabilities should have the same housing choices as all members of our community,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua I. Grant for the Central District of Illinois. “The jury’s verdict shows how persons with disabilities can often face barriers that make their lives more difficult and erode their dignity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Department of Justice to ensure equal access to housing and justice for the citizens of the Central District of Illinois.”

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