The City of New York and the Queens Borough Public Library have reached a settlement to address violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Hunters Point Library Branch. Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the agreement, which aims to resolve issues regarding accessibility at this branch.
"The design and construction of the Hunters Point Library Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library blatantly violated the ADA’s requirement that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations," stated United States Attorney Peace. "Today’s settlement agreement ensures that access. My Office will continue to enforce the ADA and its protections against discrimination for people with disabilities."
Located at 47-40 Center Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens, the library was designed by Steven Holl Architects under a contract with the City and completed in fall 2019. The building features a two-story high, five-tiered mezzanine area meant for periodicals and adult fiction sections. However, only certain tiers are accessible to those with mobility impairments.
An ADA compliance review conducted by the United States in December 2019 identified about 95 violations at this branch. To address these issues, both the City and QBPL have agreed on several modifications including constructing a platform lift from the fifth tier to the fourth tier of the mezzanine area and a skywalk/skybridge to provide stair-free access between levels.
Additional changes include creating wheelchair-accessible spaces in both children's areas and on rooftop terraces. All remediation work is expected to be completed within five years according to terms outlined within this agreement.
This case is being managed by Civil Division Civil Rights Chief Michael J. Goldberger from Breon Peace's office.