A federal judge dismissed a proposed class action accusing Balfour Beatty Military Housing and Carlisle/Picatinny Family Housing of providing unsafe living conditions at Picatinny Arsenal, though the plaintiffs may file an amended complaint.
Newark, NJ – A federal judge has dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit brought by a military family alleging unsafe living conditions at privatized housing on Picatinny Arsenal, ruling that the complaint failed to state claims sufficient to proceed in federal court.
In an opinion issued June 23, U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper granted a motion to dismiss filed by Balfour Beatty Military Housing Management LLC and Carlisle/Picatinny Family Housing LP. The dismissal was without prejudice, allowing the plaintiffs the opportunity to amend and refile their claims.
Military family challenged housing conditions
The lawsuit was filed by active-duty service member Glenn Roser, his wife Julia Roser, and their children, Lydia Allen and Danielle Roser. The family alleged they experienced unsafe conditions while living in privatized military housing at Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County.
According to the complaint, the family leased a home at 109 Farley Lane in Dover through the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, a federal program that allows private companies to own and manage military housing on bases.
The complaint alleged Balfour Beatty served as the property manager while Carlisle/Picatinny Family Housing owned the residence.
Court dismisses proposed class action
The lawsuit sought class-action status on behalf of other military families living in similar housing at Picatinny Arsenal.
Judge Semper granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the first amended complaint, finding the plaintiffs’ allegations were legally insufficient in their current form. Because the dismissal was issued without prejudice, the plaintiffs may file another amended complaint addressing the deficiencies identified by the court.
The opinion does not resolve the underlying allegations about the condition of the housing or determine whether the claims are true. Instead, it addresses whether the complaint, as filed, met the legal standards required to move forward.
Key Points
- A federal judge dismissed a proposed class action involving military housing at Picatinny Arsenal.
- The lawsuit accused Balfour Beatty Military Housing and Carlisle/Picatinny Family Housing of providing unsafe living conditions.
- The dismissal was without prejudice, allowing the plaintiffs an opportunity to amend their complaint.