Curb Cut Case

Settlement Reached

On July 23rd, 2019, a settlement was reached on the curb cuts case. The agreement requires a comprehensive citywide survey to identify which corners need curb cuts installed or upgraded, as well as a comprehensive schedule for completing the necessary work to make sure every corner in the City becomes accessible. An outside monitor will oversee the agreement. See Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims and Exhibits re Settlement Agreement and Release of Claims.

Motion for Final Approval of Settlement Agreement

Proposed Settlement Agreement

A settlement agreement was reached in March 2019. CIDNY’s Executive Director, Susan Dooha, responded to the news: “Sometimes, the way to get across the street is through the courtroom. For people who are blind and people who use walkers and wheelchairs, it shouldn’t be necessary to take your life in your hands while crossing the street just to go to your job, your classes, or go out with friends or family. Finally, almost 30 years after passage of the law that says so, safer streets are going to happen.”  See the Settlement Agreement, Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action Lawsuits, and press release.

Report by the Court’s Special Master

After years of advocacy, conducting surveys, and educating lawmakers about the lack of accessible curb cuts (or curb ramps), we joined with other organizations to object to a proposed settlement on curb cuts.

In August 2017, the Special Master appointed by Federal Judge Daniels delivered his assessment and recommendations from his review of the proposed settlement on curb cuts.  CIDNY, among other organizations, had objected to the settlement because it did not require the City to establish and meet deadlines, did not provide specific direction on complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and did not provide any monitoring or consequences to ensure that the City complies with any settlement and the ADA.  We provided testimony to the court to object to the settlement, and provided our surveys and our participants’ statements of concern.

For more information, see the Report and Recommendations of the Special Master in the Curb Cut Case full reportpress release, and media coverage.