New lawsuit alleges disability discrimination in housing

Two Indianapolis apartment complexes are among multiple properties targeted in a new federal lawsuit alleging unfair housing conditions for people with disabilities. 

Violations of the accessibility requirements outlined in the Fair Housing Act are alleged against New York-based Clover Group across four states. The property management company develops apartments in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. 

Seven housing organizations, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, filed the lawsuit this week. Deputy Director of Administration & Advocacy Brady Ripperger said the organizations conducted the investigation and filed the suit in response to a growing number of complaints about the Clover Group.

“They were designing and constructing their properties, which are meant for 55 years or older individuals, in an inhabitable and inaccessible way for people with disabilities,” Ripperger said.

Ripperger said the investigation found 38 properties owned by Clover Group — including Pleasant Run Senior Apartments and Wynbrooke Senior Apartments in Indianapolis — had areas that should be accessible but were not.

“Those could include mailboxes, bathrooms, getting into or out of your front porch or back patio area and other common use areas as well,” Ripperger said.

These issues especially impact people who have mobility issues. Accessibility requirements are laid out under an amendment from 1988 to the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York. In addition to the two in Indianapolis properties, Gardens on Gateway Senior Apartments in McCordsville is also named in the lawsuit. 

On its website, the Clover Group says it specializes in safe, affordable housing for seniors. The company has not responded to a request for comment.

Contact reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.