It is the policy of the Town of West Seneca
to provide for fair housing throughout said town.
As used in this chapter, the following words
shall have the meanings indicated:
HANDICAP
A handicapped person is one who:
A.
Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one (1) or more major life activities;
B.
Has a record of such impairment; or
C.
Is regarded as having such impairment.
MARITAL STATUS
Shall be understood to mean single, married, divorced, separated
or widowed.
This chapter shall apply to all residential
structures located within the Town of West Seneca.
Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice, as defined in §
71-3 of this chapter, shall have a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) year from the date of occurrence for damages and such other remedies as may be appropriate. The court may:
A. Award actual damages, including but not limited to
damages for mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation;
C. Award reasonable attorney's fees in the case of a
prevailing plaintiff; and/or
D. Grant as relief, as it deems appropriate, any permanent
or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order or other order.
No bond shall be required prior to the issuance of injunctive relief.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
limit the rights of the complainant to pursue, at any time prior to
or after the filing complaint, any other remedies which the complainant
may have under any law of the state, the United States or any jurisdiction.
And the pursuit of one (1) or more remedies available under this chapter
shall not preclude the pursuit of any other remedy available under
this chapter.
Immediately after the enactment of this chapter,
the Town of West Seneca shall commence educational activities which
will explain the law and help to promote the town's housing goals.
Such activities shall continue while this chapter remains in force.
Any court in which a proceeding under this chapter
is instituted shall assign the case for hearing at the earliest practicable
date and cause the case to be in every way expedited.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to
invalidate or limit any law of the state, the United States or any
other jurisdiction that grants, guarantees or protects the same rights
as are granted, guaranteed or protected by this chapter.