WILKES-BARRE – It appears that a lawsuit a hotel owner filed against the city of Wilkes-Barre and its code enforcement officer can head to trial.
The owner of the now-vacant Red Carpet Inn, located at 400 Kidder St., filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in July 2008 claiming that the city and Code Enforcement Officer Frank Kratz violated his civil rights by effectively forcing the hotel out of business.
via The Times Leader.
In a careful opinion, U.S. District Court Judge Jane J. Boyle determined that Ordinance 2952 was preempted by federal law. The Court resoundingly rejected the City's claim that it had the authority to regulate the residence of noncitizens within its borders. Noting that the City Building Inspector would be charged with interpreting and applying immigration information to prospective tenants, the court concluded that Ordinance 2952 “is an invalid regulation of immigration” and that the “Ordinance stands as an obstacle to the uniform application of federal immigration law[.]”
via MALDEF
Owners said they believe licenses and permits are denied and citations are given to keep clubs that cater to blacks out of business.
via WRTV Indianapolis.
Here’s where it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room. County Council member Mike Knapp points out that many of the code violation complaints originate in traditionally white neighborhoods that are changing demographically,
via The Gazette.
Like the buttered toast that always falls face first on the kitchen floor, city code inspectors tend to be tough on the conscientious property owner, only to be lax when it comes to the most negligent property owners.
via The Juice.
A Marco Island couple has sued their city, accusing it of negligence in hiring building inspectors not licensed to do their jobs.
via Daily News.
I just received a letter from the city saying that I was being fined for “Recyc in Rubbish.”
via Philly
NEWARK, Del. (AP) — Several Newark landlords are suing the city for more than $3 million over rental permit fees they say fill the general fund instead of just helping the city break even on permits and inspections.
via Cecil Whig
