Brooklyn and Queens Rentals Slammed Over Wheelchair Barriers in New Lawsuit
A new lawsuit alleges that recently built rental complexes in Brooklyn and Queens contain wheelchair accessibility barriers.Summary
A federal lawsuit filed by the Fair Housing Justice Center claims that three recently constructed rental buildings in Brooklyn and Queens – Bridgeview Dumbo, Astor on Third II, and The Northern – were designed and built with features that exclude individuals with mobility disabilities. The complaint details issues such as narrow doorways, inaccessible kitchens and bathrooms, and steps in common areas, effectively limiting wheelchair users' access to their apartments and building amenities.
The lawsuit stems from undercover testing conducted by housing advocates, who have repeatedly identified similar accessibility problems in new developments. Plaintiffs point to a previous settlement with Astor on Third as evidence of recurring issues, and question the oversight of taxpayer-funded incentives like density bonuses. The Fair Housing Justice Center seeks court-ordered retrofits, monetary damages, and fair-housing training for building staff.
The case highlights a broader trend of accessibility violations in new New York City construction, with nearly 10% of buildings completed since 2016 having at least one violation per unit. Tenants facing accessibility barriers are encouraged to file complaints with HUD or seek assistance from local legal-aid groups and tenant organizations.
(Source：Hoodline)