Worcester housing complex pays $75K discrimination settlement
Washington Heights, a complex off Mill Street in Worcester.
The owner and manager of Washington Heights, a Worcester housing complex, have settled for $75,000 with the state Attorney General's Office for allegedly discriminating against a disabled tenant.
The tenant began using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke during childbirth, according to the state, which announced the settlement Tuesday.
In 2013, the tenant and her husband requested an accessible unit with a wheelchair ramp but allegedly were told the wait list was years long and that they would be better off moving elsewhere, the Attorney General's Office said.
At that time, the couple began requesting modifications to make their home accessible, most of which suffered undue delays by the complex's owners, and some requests were denied altogether, including making the sidewalk ramp to the entryway of the apartment safe and usable, according to the state.
Related Companies and two affiliated companies that together own and manage Washington Heights, a complex off Mill Street, agreed to pay $75,000, including $60,000 to the tenant and the remainder to the state. Related will be required to update antidiscrimination policies, pay for training on fair housing laws for all employees and for educational programs for residents regarding their rights as tenants and resources available for tenants with disabilities.
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