RLUIPA Challenge To Zoning Denial For Christian Drug Treatment Center Is Filed

In Vestal, New York, a lawsuit was filed by Candlehouse Teen Challenge over the town's refusal to make zoning changes that would permit creation of a Christian-based rehabilitation center for recovering female drug addicts. The Binghamton (NY) Press Connects reported yesterday that the suit filed in state court alleges violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act, as well as violations of the Fair Housing Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act. It seeks $300,000 in damages and a change in the Vestal zoning code which currently prohibits 5 or more people who do not operate as a traditional family from living together in areas zoned R-1.