Next Step Foundation files federal lawshuit against Stowe Township - Cites discrimination against recovering alcoholics and addicts

Next Step Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing transitional housing, education and support to people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction has filed a federal lawsuit today against Stowe Township for discrimination against operating a recovery house at its property at 936 Broadway Avenue in Stowe Township.
The complaint, which includes a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, was filed this morning in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
THERE WILL BE A HEARING IN FEDERAL COURT TOMORROW AUGUST 26, 2004 AT 9:00AM concerning the complaint in front of Judge Hardiman, 829 US Courthouse, 7th and Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
Next Step Foundation, directed by David and Lynne Francis, has attempted, without success, to obtain an occupancy permit for its property that houses men who are former addicts and alcoholics and who follow a strict program of recovery.
The permit is under appeal since a zoning hearing was held in Stowe Township on August 4, 2004.

The Plaintiff's complaint alleges that since the non-profit organization started renovations on the property in May, 2004, staff members and clients of Next Step Foundation have been subject to continual harassment by township residents and officials.Stowe Township officials have issued no fewer than 21 citations on the property since the zoning hearing on August 4th, from which Next Step Foundation is seeking injunctive relief. Officials have sought to evict residents of Next Step Foundation at another facility that it rents for recovering men at 719 Broadway Avenue.
Next Step Foundation is citing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act, the American with Disabilities Act, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as well as a 1995 landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court, City of Edmonds v. Oxford House, Inc., 799 F. Supp.

450 (D.N.J. 1992).
That decision ruled that zoning ordinances restricting the number of unrelated persons in a residential dwelling are subject to the Fair Housing Act's prohibition against discrimination.David Francis, one of the founders of Next Step Foundation states:
"All we've ever wanted was to establish safe and secure houses for people who are trying to turn their lives around by combating the disease of drug and alcohol addiction.
Our residents have jobs, pay taxes and lead clean lives."Additional inquiries should be directed to Next Step Foundation, Inc's counsel, Papernick & Gefsky c/o Matthew D. Racunas, Esq.

412-373-2212.For More Information Contact:DAVID FRANCIS412-628-4496MATTHEW D. RACUNAS, ESQ.412-373-2212.

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