(a) This chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to repeal any of the provisions of the Civil Rights Law or any other law of the State relating to discrimination because of race, creed, color or national origin. The procedure herein provided shall, while pending, be exclusive, and the final determination therein shall exclude any other action, civil or criminal, based on the same grievance of the individual concerned. If such individual institutes any action based on such grievance without resorting to the procedure provided in this chapter, he or she may not subsequently resort to the procedure herein.
(b) If the Fair Housing Board determines that a violation has occurred, and if the order of the Board issued pursuant thereto has not been complied with, the Board, the complainant or any other person may:
(1) Apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of the order; and/or
(2) File a criminal charge in the Municipal Court.
In any such action, civil or criminal, the finding of the Board that the respondent has violated any of the provisions of this chapter shall be prima-facie proof of such violation and, in the absence of abuse of discretion, shall be conclusive proof of such violation.
(Ord. 84-40. Passed 6-18-84.)