The Queens Borough Public Library and the City of New York have to quickly remedy several ADA violations at the Hunters Point Library Branch following a settlement agreement, as stated by Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. According to an article by the Justice Department, the ADA review uncovered about 95 non-compliance issues that the City and QBPL will address, including construction of new accessibility features like a platform lift and a skywalk/skybridge.
The settlement has made it clear that accessibility is non-negotiable when it comes to public spaces. "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," Peace pointed out, as reported by the Justice Department. Constructed under the purview of Steven Holl Architects, the library's sleek design unintentionally prioritized aesthetics over inclusivity, leaving individuals with mobility impairments unable to access the majority of the mezzanine levels.
The Justice Department's ADA compliance review, conducted shortly after the branch opened in December 2019, was a wake-up call, exposing the oversight in a much-lauded architectural accomplishment. As part of the settlement, certain parts of the library's collections will not be housed on the inaccessible second tier of the mezzanine until it becomes accessible to those with mobility disabilities.
In addition to the lift and bridge, the modifications will include access improvements in the children's area and on the rooftop terrace. It's a significant push forward to make sure the public library serves all members of the public equally. All remediation work is mandated to be completed within five years, ensuring that these changes are not just promised but promptly delivered. "Today’s settlement agreement ensures that access. My office will continue to enforce the ADA and its protections against discrimination for people with disabilities," Peace confirmed in the Justice Department's release. Michael J. Goldberger, Civil Rights Chief of the Office’s Civil Division, is handling this matter.
