The (Carbondale) Southern Illinois reports the lawsuit filed in East St. Louis federal court names the housing authority as a defendant along with four past executive directors. The residents are seeking class-action status. The lawsuit claims the authority has engaged in "a pattern and practice of segregation" and overcharged plaintiffs up to $200.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development took over the housing authority in February citing years of mismanagement and poor living conditions. A HUD review found roaches, mold and electric and plumbing problems in housing authority units.
A HUD spokeswoman said the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation.
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Information from: Southern Illinoisan, http://www.southernillinoisan.com