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Resolution reached in Norristown renters issue

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Resolution reached in Norristown renters issue NORRISTOWN The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday announced an agreement with Norristown to resolve complaints of discrimination against domestic violence victims.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Resolution reached in Norristown renters issue

NORRISTOWN The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday announced an agreement with Norristown to resolve complaints of discrimination against domestic violence victims.

Under a settlement with the ACLU last month, Norristown had already agreed to revoke its "nuisance ordinance," which sought to evict renters who called police more than three times in four months.

One woman had to be airlifted to a hospital in 2012 after being stabbed by her boyfriend. She had not called police because she had been warned that she would be evicted, according to the lawsuit. Even though her boyfriend was arrested, the township initiated a case against her.

Bryan Greene, an assistant secretary in HUD's Fair Housing office, said the ordinance "forced a woman to make an absurd choice. You could be hit and stay in your home, or you could call the police and be kicked out."

He said the ordinance violated fair housing laws and the Violence Against Women Act.

Under the conciliation, Norristown must publicize the repeal of the ordinance, train officials on fair housing practices, produce brochures urging all tenants to call police when they are in need, and work with a local anti-domestic violence group. - Jessica Parks