The wealthy Nassau community of the Village of Garden City was hauled into federal court today, accused of trying to keep minorities from moving to the area.
A group that includes several Hempstead residents is suing the village. Their suit alleges that fair housing laws were violated as minorities were steered away from rental properties in Garden City.
As News 12 has reported, the case dates back nine years to a plan by former Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi to sell a 25-acre complex in Garden City to a developer to build 311 affordable housing units.
The plaintiffs say that Garden City officials changed the zoning laws to prevent affordable housing from being built in an attempt to keep minorities from moving into the predominantly white village.
News 12 Long Island called the Village of Garden City for comment on the trial, but has not heard back.