Manassas Irate That Inquiry Is Escalated

HUD's investigation does not produce a ruling or determination, and details of its findings were not disclosed. But Greene's statement suggests the agency thinks the case is headed for U.S. District Court, where federal attorneys could file suit against the city.

"If the judge or jury determines that the city of Manassas conspired to discriminate against Latino families, the punitive damages could be hefty," said Kent Willis, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, one of the groups that threatened to sue the city last winter over its anti-crowding ordinance. Suits involving violations of the Fair Housing Act typically lead to punitive and compensatory damages, Willis said. Individuals can also file civil suits against the city over the same complaints, which can be costly for the city.

Hughes and other city staff called the HUD contention that the city did not address complaints false. "We have asked numerous times for the aggrieved parties to specify what their claim is, and we have not received a response," he said. "So this conclusion that we're at an impasse is unimaginable to us."

Hughes accused those who have alleged discrimination against the city of trying to squeeze Manassas for money. The Fair Housing Act "should not be used by those who are not discriminated against to raise money from a local government's limited treasury," he said in a recent news release.

"I find that comment sad," said Rabbi Bruce E. Kahn, executive director of the District-based Equal Rights Center, a civil rights organization that lodged a complaint to HUD and compiled information about city zoning enforcement practices. "The city has an obligation to face the wrong that it's done and remedy the wrong that it's done, including paying damages."

Kahn accused the city of ongoing civil rights violations, despite changes in city policies and the swift repeal of the anti-crowding ordinance.

For additional legal counsel, Manassas has contacted Richmond lawyer William G. Broaddus, who is working with city attorney Robert W. Bendall. But Vice Mayor Harry J. "Hal" Parrish II said he was hopeful federal attorneys would not come knocking.

Parrish said maybe the Justice Department would decide there is no reason to go after anyone. But he cautioned, "I'm always an optimist."