Department of Justice sues City of Jacksonville for denying zoning changes to Ability Housing

Action News Jax has learned the Justice Department is suing the city of Jacksonville saying the city violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A lawsuit filed in federal court on Tuesday said the city broke the law when it denied Ability Housing of Northeast Florida zoning changes it needed to open a 12-unit home for the disabled and homeless. We’ve been following this story for years.

The Department of Justice called the move discrimination saying it “acted intentionally, willfully and in disregard for the rights of others.”

Ability Housing’s Executive Director Shannon Nazworth released the following statement:

"Ability Housing is aware the Department of Justice has been investigating whether the City of Jacksonville had violated the Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities Acts and has now filed a complaint in federal court. It is regrettable the matter had to reach this point; however, we remain hopeful for a successful resolution."