Middletown Settles Lawsuit Over ADA Compliance
The Two River Times, August 24, 2007
By Shanna Williams
In early 2006 a consent order was reached
between the township and the Advocates for
Disabled Americas. However, the most recent settlement was reached because the
township did not meet all of the stipulations of the 2006 settlement.
According to Robert Czech, the township
administrator, the major stipulation of the 2006 agreement that was not met by
the township was the creation of an
Czech said disabled residents did have
access to all township facilities. Some adjustments had to be made though. An
example was the new library had to have the entrance ramp regrarded because the
contractor made a mistake the first time. The township
also installed an elevator in town hall so the lower floor was accessible.
'There were issues that had to be addressed specifically," and they were,
Czech said.
"All of these things have been done
over the course of time to address these access issues," Czech said. In
addition, when roadwork is done,
In addition to the transition plan, the
township also has to appoint an
The terms of the settlement will have to
be met or the township will have to pay
$10,000 for each time stipulated dates are not met. Schwebel said she hopes this
will ensure the township will comply with the settlement this time.
Schwebel said while the township
did correct some issues, the major issue was a transition plan, which was never
created. She said she is worried the terms of the new settlement will not be
met, either.
"People do have rights, and I think
a lot of times they are afraid to ask for them," Schwebel said. She said
the settlement demonstrates that people have rights, and they might need to be
stubborn to make sure their rights are upheld.
Schwebel said Advocates for Disabled
Americans are moving onto other projects to ensure the rights of disabled
citizens. She said the group is currently focusing
on