Volunteers of America sues Springfield

Volunteers of America has sued Springfield in federal court because the city won’t grant a variance to allow a second home for mentally ill adults in the city.
The group says the city’s zoning practices “discriminate against individuals with intellectual disabilities and those who provide services to such individuals.”
In a 39-page lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, the agency argues that the people living in the home are “family” who have lived together for many years and should not need a variance. And if a variance were needed, the city should grant it as “reasonable accommodation” under the Fair Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities Act.