[nfbmi-talk] apartment access lawsuit settlement

[joe harcz Comcast]

Apartment Access Lawsuit Settlement

Posted: 10:56 PM

List of 1 items

• By: Bob Kuszynski

list end

 

WXYZ - You might wonder how in this day of social responsibility housing would not take into account those with disabilities.

 

None the less, there is an apartment complex in Washington Township that has been cited by the U.S. Department of Justice for building without allowing

access for the disabled.

 

Now, however, a settlement has been reached between the developers and the DOJ.

 

A lack of easy access to the front door and other barriers that would not allow those with disabilities a way to get into the 200 unit apartment complex

was among the problems.

 

But, now Enclave Development, along with the architectural firms Robert Lipka P.C. and Chester Stempien and Associates, and Civil engineer MCS Associates,

Inc., will have 3 years to make extensive improvements to the structure that will allow easier access. Each of them will pay $30,000 in compensation to

those who were affected my the impassable design and construction.

 

They must fix all of the 200 units so access can be gained by the disabled. They will also have to make sure that they are in compliance with the Fair Housing

Act and establish the fund for the $30,000 paybacks.

 

U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade says that, "The law requires access to housing for people with disabilities, including returning veterans and others with

impaired mobility." She maintains, "This case is important so that our disabled citizens are not excluded from housing opportunities, which affect every

other aspect of life, such as access to transportation, schools and jobs.”

 

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas E. Perez echoes that sentiment saying, "Enforcement actions like this one illustrate the department’s

commitment to removing barriers so that housing is accessible and available for persons with disabilities.”