Fort Lauderdale Sued Over Blocked Housing For Low-Income Residents

WLRN Public Media | By Susannah Bryan

Published March 16, 2020 at 3:27 PM EDT

A 15-story apartment tower planned for downtown would have become home to the region’s lowest-income residents. But last fall, city officials blocked the project from moving forward on grounds it was not allowed.

Now, the developer has filed lawsuits in both federal and state courts accusing Fort Lauderdale of “explicitly discriminatory” policies and practices. Both lawsuits were filed Friday.

“What the city of Fort Lauderdale is doing to underserved populations is unconstitutional and illegal,” said Michael Kahane, southern region bureau chief for AHF, the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world.

Read more from our news partners at the Sun Sentinel

More from WGCU

Environment

Coping with Winter Cold

Dr. Jerry Jackson

Animals in south Florida don’t have to worry much about winter cold – and indeed many migrants from areas farther north find suitable living conditions here. But, a trip to the beach or on a rare blustery day sometimes makes one wonder. How do ducks, herons, egrets, and other birds tolerate wading or swimming in cold weather? Aquatic birds, for example, have bare skinny legs with leg muscles placed among insulating feathers.Blood vessels going to and from the very few muscles in the legs and feet lie right next to one another, and cold blood going back into the body is warmed by warmer blood coming from the body – and is nearly the same temperature as the blood circulating in the well-insulated body.
Immigration

Vigil by multiple faiths at Alligator Alcatraz focuses on inmates

Kate Cronin

More than 60 people gathered outside the Everglades detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz for their 21st freedom vigil. Organized by The Workers Circle, a Jewish social justice organization, the group prayed for those inside.
Government & Politics

Jim Atterholt to retire from Fort Myers Beach Town Council

WGCU Staff

Jim Atterholt is retiring after swerving six years on the Fort Myers Beach Town Council, effective at the end of the year. First elected in March 2019, Atterholt's tenure included navigating the Town through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple major storm events, including Hurricane Ian.

Arts & Culture

The whimsical side of Sarasota art

WGCU News, Tom Hall

It hides in plain sight in Sarasota, but within the confines of the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy, lies a treasure trove of unique and quirky art.
Human Interest

A pine wreath and a pause to reflect -- those who served are remembered for the holidays

Jennifer Crawford

Every year during the holidays veterans who have died over the years are remembered with a fresh pine wreath laid on their graves at cemeteries across the U.S. and in Southwest Florida.
Arts & Culture

Uncovering the origins of your favorite Christmas carols

WGCU News

‘Tis the season for holly, hot chocolate and the tradition of singing Christmas carols. But what is the origin of some of your favorite holiday classics?

Fort Lauderdale Sued Over Blocked Housing For Low-Income Residents

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning