City

City of Erie, Police Want Excessive Force Lawsuit Dismissed

In a written response to the lawsuit filed by 47-year-old Tyrone Morrow Sr., lawyers representing the city denied many of Morrow’s claims, and said that “the stop and investigation of the Plaintiff were lawful and supported by probable cause and reasonable suspicion.” The lawsuit also claims that the city, and officers involved in the incident, “are entitled to the defense of qualified immunity …


Lawsuit Settlement Could Mean Housing for Yakima’s Homeless

Under a settlement agreement reached this week, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services will drop its federal lawsuit against the city of Yakima and instead submit a new application for using Roy’s Market as an apartment building to house local homeless people. The revised application, which Neighborhood Health must submit within 90 days, will be for an apartment facility in which up to 40 homeless …


Cleveland Settles ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Wrongful Death Lawsuit With Black Man’s Family

Kim Palmer| CLEVELAND CLEVELAND The family of a African-American man who died in 2010 after being tasered by Cleveland police will receive a $375,000 settlement from the city, the mayor’s office said on Thursday. Rodney Brown died on New Year’s Eve after a police radio caught him telling officers “I can’t breathe.” First responders were unable to resuscitate the 40-year-old, 12 minutes after …


Family of Queens Teen Shot Dead by NYPD in 2009 Drops Lawsuit

The family of a Queens teen fatally shot by cops in November 2009 has decided to drop its lawsuit against the city after questions were raised about the strength of their case, the Daily News has learned. Kin of Dashawn Vasconcellos filed suit against the city and four officers involved with the Far Rockaway shooting in November 2012. Vasconcellos, who had a clean record, was with friends in …


After Flint Threatened Water Lawsuit, State Removed City’s Power to Sue

Days after Flint Mayor Karen Weaver served notice that her city might file a lawsuit against the State of Michigan over the Flint drinking water crisis, the state removed Flint’s ability to sue. Though Flint has not been under a state-appointed emergency manager since April 2015, the state still exerts partial control over the city through a five-member Receivership Transition Advisory Board, …


Lawsuit Aims to Prompt City Inspectors to Keep Close Eye on HUD Properties, Protect Tenants

A group of public housing residents are suing a city official for not enforcing building-quality standards at federally subsidized apartments, saying the policy has unfairly left low-income tenants to languish in poor living conditions that are illegal under city law. Landlords are required by the city building code to keep rental properties in decent condition, but the city typically doesn’t …


Lawsuit Alleges City ‘targeted’ Prominent Property Owners

Last week, the city of Mobile succeeded in preventing a jury trial in a lawsuit accusing the Mobile Historic Development Commission of selectively targeting business owners with violations for years while routinely ignoring violations committed by its own staff and board members. In 2012, the city initially brought a lawsuit against Walker Brothers Investments LLC after it was determined the …


Philly Soda Tax Opponents File Expected Lawsuit

It’s been three months since the city of Philadelphia became the largest city in America to enact a soda tax, and — as was expected — it’s now facing a legal challenge. The American Beverage Association, several beverage companies and associations as well as individuals and local businesses (like City View Pizza and John’s Roast Pork), are suing the city of Philadelphia in county court, …


Akron Must Give Notice Before Removing Homeless People’s Belongings, Settlement Says

A federal judge has approved a settlement agreement requiring the city of Akron to give 48 hours’ notice before removing homeless people’s tents and other belongings from public or private property. The city also must store any items taken for 30 days to enable homeless people to reclaim their items. Federal Judge Donald C. Nugent approved the agreement, which will be overseen by …


Lyft Sued for Millions for Allegedly Overcharging New Yorkers

A potential class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in New York City claims Lyft has regularly overcharged riders for tolls there and seeks nearly $60 million in damages. In court documents submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, attorneys Neal Bhushan and Kevin Caldwell argue the ride-hailing service made a habit of charging passengers the higher “cash” …