Tinley Wants Judge to Toss Apartment Complex Lawsuit

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Village of Tinley Park last week asked a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by the developer of a controversial planned apartment complex.

Attorneys representing the village contend that federal court isn't the place for developer Buckeye Community Hope Foundation's allegations to be heard, Chicago Tribune reports. Among those, is a claim that in denying the developer's application for the project, the Village violated parts of the Illinois Civil Rights Act and the state's Human Rights Act.

The 47-unit development was proposed for 183rd and Oak Park Avenue. Its progress was stalled in February when the Plan Commission tabled a vote on the matter, following a chorus of public outcry.

The Department of Justice recently informed Tinley Park's legal counsel that it is conducting a civil investigation into officials' handling of the proposed Reserve development by Buckeye Community Hope in relation to the Fair Housing Act. Buckeye has claimed the Village's opposition to the project "is explicitly based on discriminatory attitudes toward African-Americans" who might be future tenants.

Meanwhile, the developer recently urged a judge to force the village to approve the group's application and issue necessary permits for the project. The village argues that doing so would be unjust until allegations are heard in court.

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