Lakewood, NJ - Judge Grants Stay for Hispanics Landlords

Lakewood, NJ - A municipal court judge granted a stay in about 150 cases involving township landlords who received summonses in recent months in connection with various property code violations.

More than 40 landlords, filed a lawsuit in Superior Court last month against the township. The landlords say their properties - occupied mainly by Hispanics - are being unfairly targeted by township building inspectors. The landlords also say some of the township's property code ordinances are "unconstitutionally vague."
The township, however, said the landlords are simply looking to avoid paying the fines.

Judge Philip Miller granted the stay on the condition the plaintiffs apply to Superior Court Assignment Judge Eugene D. Serpentelli for an order to show cause within 10 days, said Larry Loigman, the plaintiffs' attorney.