(09/21/06) FARMINGDALE - Tenants of a Farmingdale apartment complex say racial discrimination is behind the move to evict them from their homes.

Anna Maria Mora?s family is one of eight being forced out by Fairfield Properties, who are the new owners of Secatogue Avenue Apartments. Mora says her apartment is infested with mold, rats and roaches. She also says it has a large crack in the wall despite the $1,100 monthly rent. Christina Ruiz Diaz, a community activist, claims Fairfield attempted to make living conditions unbearable so they could build luxury apartments and bring in wealthier, white renters.

The families are suing Fairfield Properties, the old owners, and the Village of Farmingdale in order to stay or stop the evictions. The mayor of Farmingdale could not be reached for comment.