BUFFALO, N.Y., March. 31, 2022 — Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), Western New York’s only comprehensive fair housing organization serving both tenants and landlords, has joined with six other fair housing organizations from across the United States in filing a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of New York. This lawsuit alleges widespread violations of fair housing laws against persons with disabilities by Clover Group, which is headquartered in Williamsville, New York, and related entities. HOME uncovered evidence of discrimination after conducting investigations at a number of Clover Group’s properties in Western New York.

During their investigations, these fair housing organizations uncovered widespread violations of the federal Fair Housing Act’s accessibility requirements at 38 properties across New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The inaccessible features identified include, but are not limited to, inaccessible bathrooms, doorways, patios, and mailboxes, as well as inaccessible parking and inaccessible routes to and from units and public and common use areas. All properties are advertised for individuals 55 years and older.

“It is unfortunate that fair housing is still being denied in this day and age. Clover Group has perpetrated willful acts of discrimination against persons with disabilities in nearly 40 of their properties, spanning 4 states,” expressed HOME Executive Director, M. DeAnna Eason. “This should serve as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in fighting for equality and equity for all.”

Clover Group’s property holdings in Western New York are vast and include: Brighton Square Senior Apartments (Tonawanda, NY); Crestmount Square Senior Apartments (Tonawanda, NY); Jill Joseph Tower Senior Apartments (Buffalo, NY); Lancaster Commons Senior Apartments (Lancaster, NY); Orchard Place Senior Apartments (Lackawanna, NY); Sandra Lane Senior Apartments (North Tonawanda, NY); Seneca Pointe Senior Apartments (West Seneca, NY); South Pointe Senior Apartments (Hamburg, NY); Sweet Home Senior Apartments (Amherst, NY); Transit Pointe Senior Apartments (East Amherst, NY); and Union Square Senior Apartments (West Seneca, NY).

HOME Associate Director, Daniel Corbitt Esq., added, “Affordable, accessible housing remains chronically scarce in Buffalo and throughout the nation. Discrimination compounds this problem by denying persons with disabilities the opportunity to live in housing that is otherwise accessible, leading to higher rates of housing insecurity and homelessness. Therefore, it is in