Case: Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council v. City of Maplewood

4:17-cv-00886 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

Filed Date: March 13, 2017

Closed Date: 2018

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Case Summary

On March 13, 2017, the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council ("EHOC") filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiff sued the City of Maplewood, Missouri, under the Fair Housing Act ("FHA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq. and Missouri Human Rights Act ("MHRA"), Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 213.040 et seq. for discriminatory treatment and disparate impact. The plaintiff, represented by private counsel, sought a declaratory judgement that the defe…

Specifically, the plaintiff claimed that the nuisance ordinance issued by the city of Maplewood, Missouri discriminates against and disproportionately impacts nonwhite residents, women (especially those who are survivors of domestic violence), and people with disabilities. Specifically, they challenged the city of Maplewood "chronic nuisance ordinance" pursuant to which the city revoked the occupancy permits of residents (it’s a crime to live in the city without it) whom it deems to be "chronic nuisances." They claimed that Maplewood designated certain residents to be nuisances simply because they had been the subject of multiple police calls, regardless of whether they did anything wrong.

The defendant moved to dismiss the complaint on May 11, 2017. They alleged that the plaintiff had failed to state a claim under 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 and Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 213.040 for which relief could be granted.

On December 8, 2017, District Judge Ronnie L. White granted the motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint for failure to state a claim. He found that the facts did not create an inference that the defendant enforced its nuisance ordinance for the purpose of adversely affecting African American residents, women, and/or disabled residents and failed to identify specific instances where the defendant had a discriminatory intent or motive in providing favorable treatment to white and/or non-disabled residents over other residents based on race, gender, disability, or any other improper criteria when enforcing its nuisance ordinance. He also found that the plaintiff failed to sufficiently plead a causal connection between the alleged discriminatory policy, Maplewood's nuisance ordinance, and the alleged discriminatory disparate impact on African Americans, women, and disabled residents. The Judge also dismiss the state law claim without prejudice, stating that because the federal claim had been dismissed, he did not have jurisdiction to hear the state claim. 2017 WL 6278882.

On January 8, 2018, the plaintiff filed a motion for relief from judgment alleging that claims regarding EHOC’s sex and disability discrimination were conceptually distinct from the race discrimination claim, and the Court erred in dismissing them for the same reasons. The defendant asserted that the plaintiff could not relitigate the merits of its case and that the court fully addressed all of plaintiff’s claims as pleaded.

On May 8, 2018, Judge White denied the plaintiff’s Motion for Relief from Judgment as an attempt to “re-litigate the issues which the Court thoroughly addressed.” The case is now closed. 2018 WL 10396918.

Summary Authors

Joanna Kuzdra (1/19/2018)

Sichun Liu (1/19/2020)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4617245/parties/metropolitan-st-louis-equal-housing-and-opportunity-council-v-city-of/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Cacace, Megan (District of Columbia)

Hunt, Sarah Jane (Missouri)

Kennedy, Thomas E (Missouri)

Relman, John Peter (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Biesterfeld, Craig S. (Missouri)

Judge(s)

White, Ronnie Lee II (Missouri)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Cacace, Megan (District of Columbia)

Hunt, Sarah Jane (Missouri)

Kennedy, Thomas E (Missouri)

Relman, John Peter (District of Columbia)

Samberg-Champion, Sasha M. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Biesterfeld, Craig S. (Missouri)

Tolles, Michael J. (Missouri)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

4:17-cv-00886	Docket [PACER] Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council v. City of Maplewood,Missouri	May 8, 2018	May 8, 2018 Docket
1 4:17-cv-00886	Complaint Jury Trial Demanded Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council v. City of Maplewood, Missouri	March 13, 2017	March 13, 2017 Complaint
33 4:17-cv-00886	Memorandum and Order	Dec. 8, 2017	Dec. 8, 2017 Order/Opinion 2017 WL 6278882
47 4:17-cv-00886	Memorandum and Order	May 8, 2018	May 8, 2018 Order/Opinion 2018 WL 10396918

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4617245/metropolitan-st-louis-equal-housing-and-opportunity-council-v-city-of/

Last updated March 31, 2026, 5:12 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	March 13, 2017	COMPLAINT against defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri with receipt number 0865-5856359, in the amount of $400 Jury Demand,, filed by Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Original Filing Form, # 3 Summons)(Kennedy, Thomas) (Entered: 03/13/2017) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Original Filing Form View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER	RECAP
2	March 13, 2017	NOTICE OF PROCESS SERVER by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council Process Server: Jose Pineiro (Kennedy, Thomas) (Entered: 03/13/2017)	RECAP
3	March 13, 2017	DISCLOSURE OF ORGANIZATIONAL INTERESTS CERTIFICATE by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. Parent companies: None, Subsidiaries: None, Publicly held company: None,. (Kennedy, Thomas) (Entered: 03/13/2017)	RECAP
4	March 13, 2017	Pursuant to Local Rule 2.08, the assigned/referred magistrate judge is designated and authorized by the court to exercise full authority in this assigned/referred action or matter under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 636 and 18 U.S.C Sec. 3401. (CSAW) (Entered: 03/13/2017)	RECAP
	March 13, 2017	Case Opening Notification
	March 13, 2017	Case Assignment Local Rule 2.08
	March 13, 2017	Case Opening Notification: 1 Summons(es) issued. The summons was emailed to attorney Thomas E. Kennedy, III. All parties must file the Notice Regarding Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction Form consenting to or opting out of the Magistrate Judge jurisdiction. Click here for the instructions. Judge Assigned: U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Cohen. (BAK)
5	March 15, 2017	SUMMONS Returned Executed filed by Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. City of Maplewood,Missouri served on 3/14/2017, answer due 4/4/2017. (Kennedy, Thomas) (Entered: 03/15/2017)	RECAP
6	March 15, 2017	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Sasha Samberg-Champion. The Certificate of Good Standing was attached.(Filing fee $100 receipt number 0865-5860376) by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing)(Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 03/15/2017) 1 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER	RECAP
7	March 15, 2017	ENTRY of Appearance by Sarah Jane Hunt for Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Hunt, Sarah) (Entered: 03/15/2017)	RECAP
8	March 15, 2017	ORDER. This matter is before the Court on a verified motion for admission pro hac vice filed by Plaintiff's attorney, Sasha Samberg-Champion [Doc. 6 ]. Movant practices in Washington, D.C., and her motion contains the information required by Local Rule 12. After careful consideration, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the verified motion for admission pro hac vice [Doc. 6 ] is GRANTED. Signed by Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Cohen on 3/15/2017. (CBL) (Entered: 03/15/2017)	RECAP
9	March 16, 2017	AMENDED ORDER - This matter is before the Court on a verified motion for admission pro hac vice filed by Plaintiff's attorney, Sasha Samberg-Champion [Doc. 6]. Movant practices in Washington, D.C., and the motion contains the information required by Local Rule 12. After careful consideration, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the verified motion for admission pro hac vice [Doc. 6] is GRANTED. Signed by Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Cohen on March 16, 2017. (MCB) (Entered: 03/16/2017)	RECAP
10	March 16, 2017	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice John P. Relman. The Certificate of Good Standing was attached.(Filing fee $100 receipt number 0865-5862948) by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing)(Relman, John) (Entered: 03/16/2017) 1 Certificate of Good Standing View on PACER	RECAP
11	March 16, 2017	ORDER. This matter is before the Court on a verified motion for admission pro hac vice filed by Plaintiff's attorney, John P. Relman [Doc. 10 ]. Movant practices in Washington, D.C., and the motion contains the information required by Local Rule 12. After careful consideration, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the verified motion for admission pro hac vice [Doc. 10 ] is GRANTED. Signed by Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Cohen on 3/16/2017. (CBL) (Entered: 03/16/2017)	RECAP
12	March 28, 2017	ENTRY of Appearance by Michael J. Tolles for Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 03/28/2017)	RECAP
13	March 28, 2017	ENTRY of Appearance by Craig S. Biesterfeld for Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Biesterfeld, Craig) (Entered: 03/28/2017)	RECAP
14	March 28, 2017	CJRA ORDER (GJL). Magistrate Judge Patricia L. Cohen termed. Case reassigned to District Judge Ronnie L. White for all further proceedings. (MCB) (Entered: 03/28/2017)	RECAP
15	March 28, 2017	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer Defendant Maplewood, Missouri's Consent Motion to Extend Its Time to File a Response to Plaintiff's Complaint by Thirty Days by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 03/28/2017)	RECAP
16	March 29, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's Consent Motion for Extension of Time to File a Response to Plaintiff's Complaint [ECF No. 15] is GRANTED to and including May 4, 2017. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 3/29/17. (ALM) (Entered: 03/29/2017)	RECAP
	March 29, 2017	A Docket Text Order
17	May 3, 2017	Consent MOTION for Extension of: Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond to Plaintiff's Complaint by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 05/03/2017)	RECAP
18	May 4, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant Maplewood, Missouri's Consent Motion to Extend Time to File a Response to Plaintiff's Complaint [ECF No. 17] is GRANTED to and including May 11, 2017. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 5/4/17. (ALM) (Entered: 05/04/2017)	RECAP
	May 4, 2017	A Docket Text Order
19	May 11, 2017	MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 05/11/2017)	RECAP
20	May 11, 2017	MEMORANDUM in Support of Motion re 19 MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim filed by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Chapter 34 (portions) City Code, # 2 Exhibit Chapter 12 (portions) City Code)(Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 05/11/2017) 1 Exhibit Chapter 34 (portions) City Code View on PACER 2 Exhibit Chapter 12 (portions) City Code View on PACER	RECAP
21	May 16, 2017	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 05/16/2017)	RECAP
22	May 17, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff's Consent Motion to Extend Time to File a Response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [ECF No. 21] is GRANTED to and including June 9, 2017. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 5/17/17. (ALM) (Entered: 05/17/2017)	RECAP
	May 17, 2017	A Docket Text Order
23	June 9, 2017	MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 19 MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim filed by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 06/09/2017)	RECAP
24	June 12, 2017	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim Defendant Maplewood, Missouri's Consent Motion to Extend Its Time to File Its Reply in Support of Its Motion by Seven (7) Days by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 06/12/2017)	RECAP
25	June 12, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's Motion to Extend its Time to File its Reply in Support of its Motion [ECF No. 24] is GRANTED to and including June 23, 2017. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 6/12/17. (ALM) (Entered: 06/12/2017)	RECAP
	June 12, 2017	A Docket Text Order
26	June 23, 2017	REPLY to Response to Motion re 19 MOTION to Dismiss Case For Failure to State a Claim filed by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 06/23/2017)	RECAP
27	Sept. 18, 2017	NOTICE of Supplemental Authority: by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ellis v. City of Minneapolis)(Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 09/18/2017) 1 Exhibit Ellis v. City of Minneapolis View on PACER	RECAP
28	Sept. 18, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff shall file a response to Defendant's Notice of Supplemental Authority [ECF No. 27] no later than September 28, 2018. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 9/18/17. (ALM) (Entered: 09/18/2017)	RECAP
	Sept. 18, 2017	A Docket Text Order
29	Sept. 28, 2017	RESPONSE to re 27 NOTICE of Supplemental Authority filed by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 09/28/2017)	RECAP
30	Nov. 9, 2017	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Megan Cacace. The Certificate of Good Standing was attached.(Filing fee $100 receipt number 0865-6233606) by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing of Megan Cacace)(Cacace, Megan) (Entered: 11/09/2017) 1 Certificate of Good Standing of Megan Cacace View on PACER	RECAP
31	Nov. 9, 2017	SUPPLEMENTAL re 30 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Megan Cacace. The Certificate of Good Standing was attached.(Filing fee $100 receipt number 0865-6233606) Inadvertent filing error by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Cacace, Megan) (Entered: 11/09/2017)	RECAP
32	Nov. 13, 2017	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Verified Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice by Megan Cacace on behalf of Plaintiff [ECF No. 30] is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 11/13/17. (ALM) (Entered: 11/13/2017)	RECAP
	Nov. 13, 2017	A Docket Text Order
33	Dec. 8, 2017	MEMORANDUM AND ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant City of Maplewood, Missouri's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs Complaint for Failure to State a Claim (ECF No. 19 ) is GRANTED. Aseparate Order of Dismissal will accompany this Memorandum and Order. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on December 8, 2017. (BRP)	RECAP
34	Dec. 8, 2017	ORDER OF DISMISSAL: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that Plaintiff's claims pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601, et seq., are DISMISSED with prejudice pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that Plaintiffs state law claims under the Missouri Human Rights Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 213.040, et seq., are DISMISSED without prejudice. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on December 8, 2017. (BRP) (Entered: 12/08/2017)	RECAP
35	Jan. 5, 2018	MOTION for Reconsideration re 33 Memorandum & Order, 34 Order of Dismissal (case - Stipulation of Dismissal), by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 01/05/2018)	RECAP
36	Jan. 9, 2018	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 35 MOTION for Reconsideration re 33 Memorandum & Order, 34 Order of Dismissal (case - Stipulation of Dismissal), by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 01/09/2018)	RECAP
37	Jan. 10, 2018	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Joint Motion to Extend Deadlines Related to Plaintiff's Motion for Reconsideration [ECF No. 36] is GRANTED. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant shall file its response to Plaintiff's motion no later than January 22, 2017, and Plaintiff shall file its reply no later than February 2, 2018. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 1/10/18. (ALM) (Entered: 01/10/2018)	RECAP
	Jan. 10, 2018	A Docket Text Order
38	Jan. 22, 2018	NOTICE of Change of Address filed by Craig S. Biesterfeld. (Biesterfeld, Craig) (Entered: 01/22/2018)	RECAP
39	Jan. 22, 2018	MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 35 MOTION for Reconsideration re 33 Memorandum & Order, 34 Order of Dismissal (case - Stipulation of Dismissal), filed by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 01/22/2018)	RECAP
40	Feb. 2, 2018	REPLY to Response to Motion re 35 MOTION for Reconsideration re 33 Memorandum & Order, 34 Order of Dismissal (case - Stipulation of Dismissal), filed by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 02/02/2018)	RECAP
41	Feb. 6, 2018	MOTION for Leave to File a Sur-Reply in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Relief by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 02/06/2018) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER	RECAP
42	Feb. 6, 2018	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's Motion for Leave to File a Sur-Reply [ECF No. 41] is GRANTED. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 2/6/18. (ALM) (Entered: 02/06/2018)	RECAP
43	Feb. 6, 2018	SURREPLY to Motion re 35 MOTION for Reconsideration re 33 Memorandum & Order, 34 Order of Dismissal (case - Stipulation of Dismissal), filed by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 02/06/2018)	RECAP
	Feb. 6, 2018	A Docket Text Order
44	Feb. 14, 2018	ORAL MOTION for Oral Argument by Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. (Samberg-Champion, Sasha) (Entered: 02/14/2018)	RECAP
45	Feb. 15, 2018	MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 44 ORAL MOTION for Oral Argument City of Maplewood, Missouri's Opposition to Request for Oral Argument filed by Defendant City of Maplewood,Missouri. (Tolles, Michael) (Entered: 02/15/2018)	RECAP
46	Feb. 15, 2018	Docket Text ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff's Motion for Oral Argument [ECF No. 44] is DENIED. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 2/15/18. (ALM) (Entered: 02/15/2018)	RECAP
	Feb. 15, 2018	A Docket Text Order
47	May 8, 2018	MEMORANDUM AND ORDER : IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council's Motion for Relief from Judgment (ECF No. 35 ) is DENIED. Signed by District Judge Ronnie L. White on 05/08/2018. (KCB)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Missouri

Case Type(s):

Fair Housing/Lending/Insurance

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 13, 2017

Closing Date: 2018

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council ("EHOC") is a private non-profit corporation in the greater St. Louis area dedicated to ensuring equal access to housing and places of public accommodation for all people through education, counseling, investigation and enforcement.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Relman, Dane & Colfax

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

City

City of Maplewood, Missouri

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

State law

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Missouri 4:17-cv-00886

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

General/Misc.:

Housing

Racial segregation

Disability and Disability Rights:

Disability, unspecified

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Race discrimination

Sex discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council v. City of Maplewood, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, http://www.dev.clearinghouse.net/case/15685/ (last updated 1/19/2020).