Tinley Park Might Settle Lawsuit with Apartment Developer, Attorney Says

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Village of Tinley Park is in the early stages of possibly settling a lawsuit waged by the developer of a controversial apartment building.

Village Attorney Patrick Connelly on Tuesday commented that "informal" and "very preliminary" discussions have taken place, that could result in a settlement with Buckeye Corporation. The settlement offer would be extended by Buckeye Community Hope Foundation and put up for vote by the board.

It'sunclear when the offer would be made, but Connelly assured residents they would be notified prior to the board's vote on the matter, the Daily Southtown reports.

Buckeye filed the lawsuit last spring, claiming that in delaying approval of the 47-unit complex designated for low- and moderate- income renters, officials violated federal and state fair housing laws and "unlawfully interfered" with the project. Buckeye contends opposition to the project "is explicitly based on discriminatory attitudes toward African-Americans" who might be future tenants.

In November, the Justice Department also filed a separate lawsuit against the Village, alleging that officials violated the Fair Housing Act when it refused to the development, "in response to race-based community opposition." The village has until the end of January to respond to the complaint.

The Village continues to defend itself in both lawsuits, Connelly said. Mayor Dave Seaman asked Connelly to provide an update during the meeting, but Trustee Brian Younker objected, stating that discussion of pending litigation should be kept in closed session, a measure allowed by the Open Meetings Act.