Bart v. City of Paterson Housing Authority, A-5826-06T1; Appellate Division; opinion by Wefing, P.J.A.D.; decided and approved for publication November 21, 2008. Before Judges Wefing, Yannotti and LeWinn. On appeal from a final decision of the Government Records Council. DDS No. 21-2-2230 [13 pp.]
John A. Bart, an attorney and supervisor of Northeast New Jersey Legal Services housing litigation unit, wrote a letter to the executive director of the Paterson Housing Authority, stating that the authority discourages Spanish-speaking applicants, Section 8 recipients, Public Housing residents, and other visitors to 60 Van Houten Street from accessing the housing authority’s services without having an interpreter. Bart provided the example of a sign in the lobby: “If you do not bring someone who speaks English and can translate for you, lamentably you will not be helped.” This sign is in Spanish only and has the housing authority’s name and address at the top. At the bottom, it refers to the Leasing and Occupancy Department.
