Roach v. New York Housing Authority

Background

Edmindo A. Roach Jr. filed a self-represented lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority and DC 37 Local 287. He asserts claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and the New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws. He alleges that his employer, the New York City Housing Authority, discriminated against him because of his race. The court construed the complaint as also asserting state-law claims against DC 37 Local 287.

The court had previously granted Roach permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees. In such cases, the court explained, the court must order the U.S. Marshals Service to serve the defendants. The court also stated that the ordinary 90-day service period runs from the date summonses are issued in this circumstance, because Roach could not serve the summonses and complaint before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered the summonses issued.

Order

The court directed the Clerk of Court to issue summonses for the New York City Housing Authority and DC 37 Local 287, complete the U.S. Marshals Service process forms using the defendants’ addresses, and deliver the necessary paperwork to the Marshals Service. The court directed that service occur within 90 days after the summonses are issued. It stated that Roach should request an extension if service is not completed within that period.

The court also directed the Clerk to mail Roach an information package. Roach must notify the court in writing if his address changes, and the court warned that the action may be dismissed if he does not do so. This order concerns service of the lawsuit and does not decide the merits of Roach’s discrimination claims.