Project Sentinel v. Evergreen Ridge Apartments

AMENDED ORDER.

Before the court are defendants’ motions to dismiss and for summary judgment made on the ground that plaintiff, not having suffered a direct and palpable injury as a result of defendants’ alleged conduct, lacks standing to bring this action. For the reasons stated below, the court holds that plaintiff lacks standing to assert its claims. Accordingly, summary judgment is GRANTED in favor of defendants and against plaintiffs.

Plaintiff, Project Sentinel, is a non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of “monitoring and investigating housing providers and bringing about compliance with state and federal fair housing laws.” Compl ¶ 4. Defendants, owners and operators of an apartment complex, are accused of maintaining a discriminatory policy toward families with children and of failing to provide handicap access to rental offices. Plaintiff seeks declaratory and in-junctive relief as well as damages including attorney fees on behalf of itself as an organization. Plaintiffs alleged .injury is the frustration of its effort to monitor housing practices and gain compliance with housing laws.

Specifically, plaintiff alleges that defendants’ discriminatory treatment of…