RV park settles government suit

NORTH FORT MYERS — The U.S. Justice Department says it has settled a discrimination case with a recreational vehicle park for $60,000.

The government alleged that Southwind Village Mobile Home Park in North Fort Myers refused to rent recreational-vehicle lots to African Americans. The Justice Department says it sent staff to pose as prospective renters.

“Discrimination on the basis of race or color in housing will not be tolerated,” says Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the civil rights division, in a statement. “We appreciate Southwind Village's willingness to resolve these serious allegations promptly.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Southwind Village will establish a $35,000 settlement fund to compensate victims of their discriminatory practices and pay a penalty of $25,000 to the government.

The agreement also requires Southwind Village to take steps to ensure that African Americans aren't restricted from renting recreational vehicle lots at Southwind Village and to provide periodic reports to the government.