February 6, 2020

February 6, 2020 — The successor to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, CRA/LA, has agreed to pay $3.1 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that the agency failed to comply with federal accessibility laws while distributing federal funds to help develop affordable housing.  Federal accessibility laws require that 5% of all units in certain federally-funded housing be accessible to people with mobility issues, and an additional 2% of all units be accessible for people with visual or auditory impairments.  However, according to whistleblower and wheelchair user Mei Ling, at least nine agency-affiliated properties lacked accessible parking spaces, appropriate ramp and height access for wheelchair users, or appropriate visual and tactile signs for people with visual or auditory impairments.  DOJ; USAO CDCA

Tagged in: Certifications, Defendants, FCA Federal, Government Programs Fraud, Whistleblower Case,