Hanover Township apartment complex discriminated against disabled residents, Justice Dept. claims

The owner of a Bethlehem-area senior apartment complex settled claims by the U.S. Justice Department that it discriminated against residents by canceling the leases of those judged unable to live independently and placing fees and restrictions on the use of wheelchairs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia announced Friday the owner and former owner of Traditions at Hanover in Hanover Township, Northampton County, will set up a $325,000 settlement fund, pay a $55,000 penalty and change policies under a court order approving the settlement.

“Seniors should not have to worry about losing their lease simply because they become disabled,” said U.S. Attorney William McSwain. “The Fair Housing Act protects them, and everyone, from discrimination in housing, and my office will continue to ensure that apartment buildings follow the law.”

An attorney for Montgomery County-based Heritage Senior Living, which owns Traditions of Hanover, did not return a phone call Friday. Company officials did not respond to an email seeking comment. Former owner Westrum, which owned Traditions at Hanover until 2015, is also a party to the settlement.

Traditions of Hanover is a 155-unit, 55 and older apartment complex on Westgate Drive.

In a lawsuit last month, the Justice Department alleged Traditions at Hanover violated the Fair Housing Act by terminating the leases of residents whom its employees judged incapable of adequately caring for themselves, and subjecting prospective residents to screening to determine if they were healthy enough to live in the complex.

The company also allegedly charged residents a fee for using motorized wheelchairs, banned the use of wheelchairs in the facility’s dining rooms, and provided transportation services that were not wheelchair accessible, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

In addition to the monetary settlement and penalty, Heritage Senior Living must also modify its policies, appoint a compliance officer, provide training on the Fair Housing Act, and provide compliance reports to the government. The requirements apply to 16 senior living facilities Heritage operates including four in Berks County and one each in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

People who believe they were subject to discrimination at Traditions of Hanover should contact the Justice Department at 800-896-7743, mailbox 92, or fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

Morning Call reporter Peter Hall can be reached at 610-820-6581 or peter.hall@mcall.com.

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