Rego Center Among Locations
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced on Tuesday, Apr. 8, an agreement with Vornado Realty Corporation, one of the largest owners and managers of commercial real estate in the U.S., that will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided equal access to parking lots and garages at 20 shopping centers in New York owned by the company.
The settlement requires that the facilities are upgraded so they comply with requirements and design standards set forth in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, so those with disabilities have access to the goods and services that are available at the centers.
“Everyone in New York State deserves equal access to retail establishments, regardless of disability status, in order to enjoy a full and independent life-and because it’s the law,” Schneiderman said. “This agreement ensures that any barriers at Vornado’s shopping centers will be removed, to the benefit of New Yorkers from all walks of life. I commend Vornado for agreeing to take the steps necessary to make their lots and garages fully accessible for all New Yorkers.”
Vornado, a real estate investment fund which owns and manages more than 100 million square feet of commercial real estate in the U.S., owns 20 shopping centers in New York that are subject to the agreement. This case is part of Schneiderman’s ongoing initiative to ensure that retail establishments across New York provide equal access to all shoppers.
In 2012, the office secured agreements with Century 21, JC Penney, Loehmann’s and Petland Discounts. Those agreements require over 100 stores to comply with accessibility requirements. More information about them can be found here.
After reviewing information received by the Attorney General’s Office regarding accessibility barriers at a Vornado garage-in the Rego Center, located at 61-35 Junction Blvd. in Rego Park-the Civil Rights Bureau sent investigators to examine the parking lots and garages at the Rego Center and a second Vornadoowned shopping center, at 1750-1780 Gun Hill Rd. in the Bronx. The bureau also retained an expert to survey the Rego Center garage.
Among concerns identified by the expert was a ramp that, by law, was too steep, missing handrails, and an accessible route that ended at an abrupt step down into the parking area.
Under the agreement, Vornado will identify and remediate accessibility barriers in the parking structures at the 20 New York shopping centers. Five of the centers are in NYC and six are on Long Island. Others are located in Albany, Broome, Dutchess, Erie, Monroe, Onondaga and Westchester counties.
In addition, at the Flushing Shopping Center in Flushing, Vornado will seek to secure cooperation from its subtenant to address any barriers that may exist at that site.
The settlement requires Vornado to retain an ADA expert to survey the parking lots and garages at the locations, produce reports identifying where barriers exist, and take remedial action to bring each lot or garage into compliance with New York State’s human rights laws and federal accessibility standards within one year.
The company must also adopt policies, procedures and training for employees about the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility requirements. It will also ensure that any new parking structure construction complies with state and federal accessibility laws and standards.
Vornado will pay $70,000 in penalties and fees.
This case is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Dariely Rodriguez and Ajay Saini of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau, which is led by Bureau Chief Kristen Clarke.
The Attorney General’s Office is committed to combating discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities across New York State. To file a complaint, contact the office at 1-212-416-8250, civil.rights@ag.ny.gov or visit www.ag.ny.gov.
