ANOKA, Minn. — The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the City of Anoka over the city's Crime Free Housing Ordinance, also referred to as a "nuisance ordinance."
The DOJ alleges that the ordinance was used to discriminate against individuals with mental health issues for years, and in turn, they allege that Anoka used reports generated from emergency service calls to encourage landlords to evict tenants based on those calls.
That ordinance, according to the DOJ, also discouraged residents from "exercising their right to request necessary emergency services from the city."
This comes after a November investigation from the DOJ that said Anoka was violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act through their nuisance ordinance.
"I was horrified that this was happening to people," Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, said. "They need to be able to feel comfortable enough to call and there won't be, you know, retribution for doing that, for needing help."
RELATED: DOJ investigation finds city of Anoka discriminates against tenants with mental health disabilities
In that lawsuit filed Tuesday, the DOJ announced demands for a jury trial.
The department also announced a proposed consent decree. That decree lays out rules that Anoka must follow.
Some of those requirements include not discriminating against those with mental health disabilities in it's nuisance ordinance. Anoka would also have to modify that ordinance, potentially discipline those who enabled this program, and designate an ADA compliance officer.
The consent decree also requires Anoka to deposit $175,000 into a settlement fund for paying monetary damages.
"I think these are important steps to move forward," Abderholden said.
No one from the City of Anoka responded to our calls for comment on this matter. The DOJ also declined any further comment.
RELATED: Many cities have anti-crime laws. The DOJ says one in Minnesota harmed people with mental illness
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