SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
BOROUGH OF RED BANK, NEW JERSEY
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE NUMBER 204-48-221
BACKGROUND
A. SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION
This matter was initiated by a complaint filed under title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12134, with the United States
Department of Justice ("Department") against the Borough of Red Bank, New Jersey,
("Borough"). The complaint was received by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of
Justice, under the authority of 28 C.F.R. Part 35, Subpart F. The Borough was never provided
with a copy of the complaint. The complainant alleged that the Borough in 1997 undertook
resurfacing of its commercial areas, specifically its sidewalks and crosswalks, which resulted in
walkways that are inaccessible to persons with disabilities. The complainant further alleged that
there are no disabled parking spaces near the Improvement District and that the closest spaces are
located in parking lots several blocks away. Finally, it was alleged that the parking lot of the
Municipal Building has an insufficient number of disabled parking spaces and the spaces in front
of the Marine Park lack access aisles and proper maintenance.
Because the Borough receives financial assistance from the Department of Justice, the
investigation was also conducted under the authority of § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
29 U.S.C. § 794, and the Department's implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G.
The Department expanded the scope of the investigation to include the Borough's
compliance with the following title II requirements:
- 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(a), which requires public entities to designate a responsible employee
to coordinate their efforts to comply with and carry out their ADA responsibilities.
- 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(b), which requires public entities to establish a grievance procedure
for resolving complaints of violations of title II.
- 28 C.F.R. § 35.150, which requires public entities to operate each program, service, or
activity so that, when viewed in its entirety, it is readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities by:
- delivering services, programs, or activities in alternate ways, including, for
example, redesign of equipment, reassignment of services, assignment of aides,
home visits, or other methods of compliance, or, if these methods are not effective
in making the programs accessible,
- making physical changes to facilities in accordance with the Department's title II
regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 35.151, and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design
("Standards") or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards ("UFAS").
- 28 C.F.R. §35.151, which requires public entities to ensure that facilities for which
construction or alteration began after January 26, 1992 are readily accessible to and
usable by people with disabilities, in accordance with 1) the Department's title II
regulation and 2) the Standards or UFAS.
The Department limited its review to those of the Borough's programs, services, and
activities that operate in the following facilities: Senior Center, Riverside Garden Park,
Municipal Parking Lots at English Plaza and Mechanic, Linden, White, and Gold Streets,
specified sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks, Municipal Complex and Parking, Count Basie
Park, Marine Park, and Red Bank Library.
The parties to this Agreement are the United States of America and the Borough of Red
Bank, New Jersey. In order to avoid the burdens and expenses of an investigation and possible
litigation, the parties hereby agree as follows:
B. JURISDICTION
- The ADA applies to the Borough because it is a "public entity" as defined by title II. 42
U.S.C. § 12131(1).
- The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 35, Subpart F, to investigate the
complaint in this matter to determine the compliance of the Borough with title II of the
ADA and the Department's implementing title II regulation, to issue findings, and, where
appropriate, to negotiate and secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the
Attorney General is authorized, under 42 U.S.C. § 12133, to bring a civil action enforcing
title II of the ADA should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to
Subpart F.
- The Department is authorized under 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G, to investigate the
complaint in this matter to determine the Borough's compliance with § 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to issue findings, and, where appropriate to negotiate and
secure voluntary compliance agreements. Furthermore, the Attorney General is
authorized, under 29 U.S.C. § 794 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 42.530, 42.108-110, to suspend or
terminate financial assistance to the Borough provided by the Department of Justice
should the Department fail to secure voluntary compliance pursuant to Subpart G or bring
a civil suit to enforce the rights of the United States under applicable federal, state, or
local law.
REMEDIAL ACTION
- The Department and the Borough enter into this Settlement Agreement without trial or
adjudication in order to amicably resolve this matter without any admission of law or fact
by either party. In consideration of the terms of this Agreement, the United States agrees
to refrain from filing a civil suit in this matter regarding the programs, services, and
facilities discussed in ¶¶ 6-16 except as provided in ¶¶ 19 and 21.
- The United States and the Borough (collectively, "the Parties") agree that the technical
requirements and, where appropriate, the scoping requirements of the Standards are, for
purposes of this Agreement, used as a guide for determining whether a program or
activity held in an existing facility is "readily accessible to and usable by" persons with
physical disabilities, and to determine what changes are necessary to make this program
or activity accessible if it continues to be provided in the existing facility in question. See
28 C.F.R. §§ 35.150(b)(1), 35.151.
C. POLICY AND PROCEDURES
- Within 60 days of the effective date of this Agreement, the Borough will adopt the
attached notice (Attachment A); distribute it to all department/division heads; publish the
Notice in a local newspaper of general circulation serving the Borough; and post copies in
conspicuous locations in its public buildings. It will refresh the posted copies, and update
the contact information contained on the Notice, as necessary, for the life of the
Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.
- Within 60 days of the effective date of this Agreement, the Borough will adopt the
attached ADA Grievance Procedure (Attachment B) distribute it to all agency heads, and
post copies of it in conspicuous locations in its public buildings. It will refresh the posted
copies, and update the contact information contained on the Procedure, as necessary, for
the life of the Agreement. Copies will also be provided to any person upon request.
D. PHYSICAL MODIFICATIONS
In order to ensure that the following facilities, for which construction commenced after
January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, the
Borough will take the following actions.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Senior Center within 6
months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Parking
The accessible parking space is not van-accessible. Alter the space so that it is a
van-accessible parking space served by a striped access aisle at least 96 inches
wide and install a sign designating the space as "van-accessible" mounted below
the symbol of accessibility in a location that cannot be obscured by a vehicle
parked in the space. Standards §§ 4.1.2(5)(b), 4.6.3 & Fig. 9, 4.6.4.
- Men's and Women's Toilet Rooms
- The room identification sign for the women's toilet room is mounted on
the door. Reposition the sign so that it is mounted on the wall adjacent to
the latch side of the door, the centerline of the sign is 60 inches above the
finish floor, and sufficient clear floor space is provided for a person to
approach within 3 inches of the sign without encountering protruding
objects or standing within the swing of a door. Standards §§ 4.1.3(16)(a),
4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, 4.30.6.
- The men's restroom's accessible urinal has a rim that is 19 inches above
the finish floor. Install a urinal with an elongated rim that is no higher
than 17 inches above the finish floor and provides adequate clear floor
space. Standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.18, 4.22.5.
- The rim of the urinal in the men's room is 19 inches above the finish floor
and the flush control is mounted 46 inches above the finish floor. Provide
a urinal with an elongated rim no higher than 17 inches above the finish
floor and a flush control no higher than 44 inches above the finish floor.
standards §§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.5, 4.18.2, 4.18.4.
- Tables
None of the tables in the computer, crafts, and ceramics rooms is accessible to
persons who use wheelchairs because of inadequate knee space. Provide a table
in each room that can be used by persons who use wheelchairs. See Standards
§§ 4.32.3, 4.32.4.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Riverside Garden Park
within 12 months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Men's and Women's Toilet Rooms
- The rear grab bars at the toilets are less than 36 inches long and are
mounted more than 6 inches from the side walls. Provide a rear grab bar
in the toilet area in each room that is at least 36 inches long with the end
closer to the side wall mounted no more than 6 inches from the side wall.
§§ 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.17.6 & Fig. 30(c).
- The toilet paper dispenser in the designated accessible stall in the women's
room is mounted 38 inches from the rear wall. Provide a toilet paper
dispenser that is no more than 36 inches from the rear wall. §§ 4.1.3(11),
4.22.4, 4.17.3 & Fig. 30(d).
- Walkways/Ramps
- The first section of the walkway on the west side of the Park leading from
the concession area into the park is roughly 83 feet long and has a slope
that exceeds 1:20 in some areas, but lacks handrails and level landings.
Alter this first section of the walkway so that it does not have a slope
greater than 1:20 or install level landings and handrails that comply with
the Standards. §§ 4.1.2(2), 4.3.7, 4.8 & Fig 16, 4.26.
- The second section of the walkway on the west side of the Park leading to
the water is roughly 240 feet long, has a slope that exceeds 1:12 and cross
slopes that exceed 1:50 in some areas, and lacks level landings. Alter this
second section of the walkway so that it does not have a slope greater than
1:12 or cross slopes greater than 1:50, and has level landings every 30 - 40
feet in compliance with the Standards. §§ 4.1.2(2), 4.3.7, 4.8 & Fig. 16.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Municipal Parking Lots
within 12 months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Gold Street Parking Lot
There are 31 public parking spaces; one is a designated accessible parking space
with no access aisle. Two spaces are required, one of which must be van
accessible. Alter the area to provide a minimum of two accessible spaces and
aisles, with at least one van-accessible parking space served by an access aisle at
least 96 inches wide, and install a sign designating the space as "van-accessible"
mounted below the symbol of accessibility in a location that cannot be obscured
by a vehicle parked in the space. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.3, 4.6.4.
- White Street Parking Lot
There are 283 public parking spaces; five are designated accessible parking
spaces, including one van-accessible space. Seven spaces are required, including
the van space. Establish two additional designated accessible parking spaces that
are dispersed and located closest to accessible entrances of facilities served by the
lot, and that otherwise comply with the Standards. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.2, 4.6.3 & Fig.
9, 4.6.4.
- English Plaza Parking Lot
There 110 public parking spaces; three are designated accessible parking spaces.
None is van-accessible, two are not level and lack an access aisle, and the aisle of
a third is less than 60 inches wide. Five spaces are required, including a van
space. Establish five designated accessible parking spaces, one of which is van-accessible, that are dispersed and located closest to accessible entrances of
facilities served by the lot, and that otherwise comply with the Standards.
§§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.2, 4.6.3 & Fig. 9, 4.6.4.
- Linden-Wallace Parking Lot<
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There are 78 public parking spaces; two are designated accessible parking spaces,
including one van-accessible space. Four spaces are required, including the van
space. Establish two additional designated accessible parking spaces that are
dispersed and located closest to accessible entrances of facilities served by the lot,
and that otherwise comply with the Standards. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.2, 4.6.3 & Fig. 9,
4.6.4.
- Mechanic-Wallace Parking Lot
There are 181 public parking spaces; four are designated accessible parking
spaces. None is van-accessible. Six spaces are required, including a van space.
Establish two additional parking spaces, including one van-accessible space, that
are dispersed and located closest to accessible entrances of facilities served by the
lot, and that otherwise comply with the Standards. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.2, 4.6.3 & Fig.
9, 4.6.4.
In order to ensure that the following spaces in City facilities, for which alterations
commenced or will commence after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities, the Borough will take the following actions.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Municipal Complex
within 12 months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Parking
The only accessible parking space provided at the Municipal Complex is not van-
accessible. Provide a space with a 96 inch wide access aisle and install a sign
designating the space as "van-accessible" mounted below the symbol of
accessibility in a location that cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the
space. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.2(5)(b), 4.6.4.
- Drinking Fountains
There are drinking fountains on the first, second, and third floors that are
accessible to people who use wheelchairs but none that is accessible to people
who have difficulty bending or stooping. Provide cup dispensers at the fountain
on each of these floors at a standard height convenient to individuals who have
difficulty bending. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(10)(a).
- Men's and Women's Toilet Rooms
- The toilets in the designated accessible stalls in the men's first, second and
fourth floor rooms and the women's first floor room have flush controls on
the closed, or narrow side of the stall. Alter each flush control so that it is
on the open side of the stall, or install an automatic flush device.
§§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.17.2, 4.16.5.
- The pressure required to open the doors to the men's and women's toilet
rooms on the second, third and fourth floors is greater than 5 lbf. Adjust
the door closers so that the force required to open each door is no more
than 5 pounds. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(11), 4.22.2, 4.13.11(2)(b).
- The coat hooks in the men's second floor and the men's and women's
third and fourth floor toilet rooms are mounted higher than 54 inches
above the finish floor. Provide coat hooks that they are no higher than 48
inches above the finish floor for a front approach or, if a front approach is
not available, no higher than 54 inches above the finish floor for a side
approach. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(12), 4.25.3, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.
- The centerlines of the toilets in the designated accessible stalls in the
men's second, third and fourth floor rooms exceed 18 inches from the side
wall. Remount each toilet so that the centerline is exactly 18 inches from
the side wall. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(11), 4.22.4, 4.17.3 & Fig. 30(a).
- The height of the lavatories in the men's second, third and fourth floor
toilet rooms provides a clearance of 27-28 inches from the finish floor to
the bottom of the apron and a knee clearance that is 7 inches deep.
Reposition or provide a lavatory in each room that has a clearance of at
least 29 inches above the finish floor to the bottom of the apron and a knee
clearance that is at least 8 inches deep and 27 inches above the finish floor.
§§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(11), 4.22.6, 4.19.2 & Fig. 31.
- Tables
The counsel tables in the courtroom and the interview tables in the Detective B
offices are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs because of inadequate
knee space. Provide a table in each room that can be used by persons who use
wheelchairs. See Standards §§ 4.32.3, 4.32.4.
- Police Department
- The service counter is 43 ½ inches high. The records counter is 44 inches
high. Provide a counter at these locations that is at least 36 inches wide
and no more than 36 inches high; provide an auxiliary counter with a
maximum height of 36 inches; or provide equivalent facilitation (e.g., by
offering these services at an accessible location for individuals who use
wheelchairs). §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 7.2(2).
- The toilet in the holding cell has no grab bars, its centerline is not 18
inches from a side wall, and it has a seat that is 15 ½ inches above the
finish floor. Provide a toilet in a holding cell that complies with the
Standards, or, effective the date of this Agreement, ensure that persons
with mobility impairments who are held in these cells will be escorted to
the public unisex toilet room upon request. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b), 4.1.3(11),
4.22.4, 4.16 & Fig. 28.
In order that each of the Borough's programs, services, and activities operating at a facility
that is the subject of this Agreement, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to
and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the Borough will take the following
actions.
- Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works is inaccessible to people with disabilities. Within 60
days of the effective date of this Agreement, the Borough will post a notice on its Internet
Home Page and on the main entrance of the facility offering to issue Department permits
at the accessible Municipal Complex, as requested, and will make the necessary
arrangements for this off-site service. The notice will include the name, address, and
telephone number of the contact person who will arrange accessible services. The
Borough will refresh and update the notice at both locations for the life of this
Agreement.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Count Basie Park within
24 months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Parking and Accessible Routes
- The designated accessible parking space provided in the lot near the pond
has no access aisle and has a surface slope and cross slope greater than
1:50. Provide a space and a 96 inch wide access aisle that have surface
slopes not exceeding 1:50 in all directions, and install a sign designating
the space as "van-accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility
in a location that cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.
§§ 4.1.2(5)(b), 4.6.3, 4.6.4.
- The curb ramp from the parking lot to the walkway to the pond has a slope
that exceeds 1:12; a width of less than 36 inches, exclusive of flared sides;
and has an abrupt 1 inch change in level as it meets the lot surface. Alter
the ramp so that its slope is not greater than 1:12, it has a minimum width
of 36 inches exclusive of flared sides, and the transition between the ramp
to the lot surface is flush and free of abrupt changes. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8,
4.7.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.2.
- The designated accessible parking spaces provided in the lot near the ball
fields lack access aisles. Alter the area to provide a minimum of three
accessible spaces and aisles, with at least one van-accessible parking space
served by an access aisle at least 96 inches wide, and install a sign
designating the space as "van-accessible" mounted below the symbol of
accessibility in a location that cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in
the space. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.3 & Fig. 9, 4.6.4.
- The curb ramp from the parking lot to the walkway to the ball fields has an
abrupt 1 inch change in level as it meets the parking lot surface and a slope
that exceeds 1:12. Alter the ramp so that the transition between the ramp
to the walkway is flush and free of abrupt changes and its slope does not
exceed 1:12. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8, 4.7.2.
- The curb ramp from the parking lot to the main ticket booth has an abrupt
1 inch change in level as it meets the parking lot surface and a slope that
exceeds 1:12. Alter the ramp so that the transition between the ramp to the
walkway is flush and free of abrupt changes and its slope does not exceed
1:12. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8, 4.7.2.
- The curb ramp from the brick sidewalk at Bergin Place to the park
driveway has a slope that exceeds 1:12. Alter the ramp so that its slope
does not exceed 1:12. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8, 4.7.2, 4.8.2.
- The route from the main ticket entrance to the football field and bleachers
has a cross slope that exceeds 1:50. Provide a route from the main
entrance to the bleachers that is 36 inches wide and has a cross slope no
greater than 1:50 and a running slope no greater than 1:20. §§ 4.1.2(2),
4.3.7.
- There is no accessible route from the accessible parking into the
playground because the area is edged with timber. Remove a portion of the
edging. §§ 4.1.2(2), 4.3.8, 4.5.2.
- There is no accessible route from the accessible parking to the soccer and
baseball fields because the main, paved route to the area has abrupt
changes in level beyond 1/4 inch and the field areas are entirely grass.
Establish an accessible route from accessible parking to these fields and
establish locations for wheelchairs in spectator areas that is firm, stable,
and slip resistant and without abrupt changes in level beyond 1/4 inch.
§§ 4.1.2(2), 4.2, 4.3, 4.5.
- Ticket Counter
The top of the main ticket counter is 47 inches above the ground. Provide a
counter that is at least 36 inches wide and no more than 36 inches high; provide
an auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36 inches; or provide equivalent
facilitation (e.g., by offering to sell tickets in front of the counter to individuals
who use wheelchairs). § 7.2(2).
- Football Field Bleachers
There are no wheelchair locations in the spectator seating at the football field.
Establish wheelchair locations in the spectator seating area, adjoin an accessible
route, have adjacent companion seats, and have lines of sight comparable to those
for the general public in coordination with the Architectural Unit of the
Department of Justice. §§ 4.1.3(19)(a), 4.3, 4.5, 4.33 & Fig.46.
- Men's and Women's Public Toilet Rooms
The toilet rooms in the park are inaccessible. Renovate the men's and women's
toilet rooms so that the route into the rooms and the spaces and elements in each
room -- including the room identification signage, entry door, clear floor space,
turning space, accessible route within the room, water closet, stall (if provided),
grab bars, urinal (men's only, if provided), lavatory, mirror, controls and
dispensers -- comply with the Standards, or convert one room into an accessible
unisex toilet room that complies with the Standards. §§ 4.1.6(3)(e)(i), 4.1.3(11),
4.22, 4.2, 4.3, 4.13, 4.16 and Figs 28 & 29, 4.17 & Fig. 30, 4.19 and Figs. 31 &
32, 4.26, 4.27, 4.30.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Marine Park within 12
months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Parking and Accessible Route
- There are 66 public parking spaces; two are designated accessible parking
spaces but have no access aisle. Three spaces are required, including a van
space. Alter the area to provide a minimum of three accessible spaces and
aisles, with at least one van-accessible parking space served by an access
aisle at least 96 inches wide, and install a sign designating the space as
"van-accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility in a location
that cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space. §§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.3
& Fig. 9, 4.6.4.
- The built-up curb ramp leading from the accessible parking to the
waterfront has an abrupt 1 inch change in level as it meets the parking lot
surface. Replace or alter the ramp so that the transition between the ramp
and the lot surface is flush and free of abrupt changes. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8,
4.7.2.
- The built-up curb ramp leading from the accessible parking to the
walkway to the playground has an abrupt 1 inch change in level as it meets
the walkway. Alter the ramp so that the transition between the ramp and
the walkway is flush and free of abrupt changes. §§ 4.1.2(1), 4.3.8, 4.7.2.
- The entryway to the playground has a threshold that exceeds ½ inch and is
joined to the walkway by a ramp that has a slope greater than 1:12.
Provide a ramp into the playground that has a slope of 1:12 or less and a
threshold that does not exceed ½ inches and beveled with a slope no
greater than 1:2. §§ 4.1.2(2), 4.3.8, 4.3.9, 4.8.2, 4.13.8.
- The Borough shall complete the following modifications to the Red Bank Library
within 24 months of the effective date of this Agreement:
- Parking and Accessible Route
- There are 13 public parking spaces; 2 of these are designated accessible
parking spaces but the vehicle spaces are 91 inches wide and there is no
designated "van-accessible" space. Provide at least one van-accessible
space with a vehicle space at least 96 inches wide that is served by an
access aisle at least 96 inches wide, and install a sign designating the space
as "van-accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility in a
location that cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.
§§ 4.1.2(5), 4.6.3 & Fig. 9, 4.6.4.
- The current designated accessible parking spaces are not on an accessible
route to the Library entrance. The curb ramp leading from the spaces to
the sidewalk has a slope that exceeds 1:12 and a cross slope at the top
exceeding 1:50. The route from the ramp to the street has a cross slope
exceeding 1:50. Locate the van-accessible parking space so that its
surface slopes do not exceed 1:50 in all directions, and provide a route
from the space to the Library entrance that has a running slope no greater
than 1:20 and a cross slope no greater than 1:50. §§ 4.1.2(2), 4.3.7, 4.3.8,
4.6.3, 4.7.2, 4.8.2, 4.8.6.
- Vestibule
- There are double leaf doors leading from the vestibule into the Library;
each has a clear opening width of 27 inches. Provide at least one active
leaf with a minimum clear opening of 32 inches measured from the face
of the door to the opposite door stop with the door open 90 degrees.
§§ 4.13.4, 4.13.5.
- The public telephone located in the vestibule has its highest operable part
67 inches above the finish floor and insufficient clear floor space because
it is located within the swing of the door to the Library proper. Provide a
public telephone that has its highest operable part no more than 48 inches
above the finish floor for a forward reach, or, if that is not available, no
more than 54 inches above the finish floor for a side reach, and provide
clear floor space at the telephone that complies with the Standards.
§§ 4.31.2 & Fig. 44, 4.31.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6.
- Aisles
The clear aisle width between stacks is 28 3/4 to 33 ½ inches. Provide aisles that
have a clear minimum width of 36 inches ( 42 inches preferred where possible), or
post a permanent notice in a conspicuous location that Library staff are available
to assist patrons who use wheelchairs. §§ 8.5, 4.3.3.
- Board Room
The accessible route leading to the Board Room narrows to 28 inches between the
desk and the stairs. Maintain an accessible route that has a clear minimum width
of 36 inches. § 4.3.3, 28 C.F.R. § 35.133.
- Bottom Floor of Library (Children's Section and Toilet Rooms)
The Children's Section and Library toilet rooms are not accessible because they
are located on a bottom floor that can only be reached by stairs. Additionally, the
spaces and elements within the toilet rooms do not comply with the Standards.
The Borough indicated that there are plans to install an elevator and renovate the
toilet rooms.
- In order to ensure that the anticipated alterations to the Library are readily
accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, the Borough
agrees that the alterations will conform to the ADA Standards for
Accessible Design. §§ 4.1.6(1)(b); 4.10 (elevators); 4.1.3(11), 4.22, 4.2,
4.3, 4.13, 4.16 and Figs 28 & 29, 4.17 & Fig. 30, 4.19 and Figs. 31 & 32,
4.26, 4.27, 4.30 (toilet rooms).
- Pending the completion of alterations the Borough will, within 90 days of
the effective date of this Agreement, develop a written plan for the
provision of library services to persons with mobility impairments who
cannot fully utilize the Library, and submit a copy of the plan to the
Department for review and approval.
- Within 30 days of the Department's written approval (with modifications,
if necessary), the Borough will implement and continually publicize
through Library communications, at minimum, the approved Library
program for the provision of services to persons with mobility
impairments who cannot fully utilize the Library. The program will cease
upon the Department's determination that the Borough has completed
alterations to the Library in compliance with the Standards. 28 C.F.R.
§§ 35.149, 35.150.
In order that the Borough's sidewalks described below, which constitute a program or
service, are readily accessible to and usable by persons with mobility impairments, the
Borough will take the following actions.
- The Borough shall forward a letter to the New Jersey Department of Transportation
informing them of the following modifications of the specified areas of the Streetscape
that need completion.
- Streetscape Curb Ramp
The Streetscape comprises the Broad Street business district from West Front
Street to Harding Road. It includes a diagonal, bricked curb ramp at the corner of
United Telecom, 102 W. Front Street, that has a traffic light pole in the middle of
it. Provide a curb ramp that is sufficiently wide and unobstructed as to be usable
by a person who uses a wheelchair. See Standards §§ 4.3.3, 4.4.1, 4.7.3.
IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Any new construction or future alterations undertaken by the Borough will be done in a
manner that complies with the Standards.
- Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, at 90 and 180 days after the effective
date of this Agreement, and thereafter for the term of this Settlement Agreement at yearly
anniversaries of the effective date, the Borough will submit detailed written reports to the
Department summarizing the actions the Borough has taken pursuant to this Agreement.
These reports will include photographs, architectural plans, copies of adopted policies,
and proof of efforts to secure funding/assistance for structural renovations.
- The Department may review compliance with this Agreement at any time. If the
Department believes that this Agreement or any portion of it has been violated, it will so
notify the Borough in writing and it will attempt to resolve the issue or issues in good
faith. If the Department is unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the issue or issues
raised within 30 days of the date it provides notice to the Borough, it may institute a civil
action in federal district court directly to enforce title II or to enforce the terms of this
Agreement, or it may initiate appropriate steps to enforce section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act.
- Failure by the Department to enforce this entire Agreement or any provision thereof with
regard to any deadline or any other provision herein shall not be construed as a waiver of
the Department's right to enforce other deadlines and provisions of this Agreement.
- In the event that the Borough fails to comply in a timely manner with any requirement of
this Agreement without obtaining sufficient advance written agreement with the
Department as a temporary modification of the relevant terms of this Agreement, the
Department may file suit in an appropriate federal court to enforce the terms of the
Agreement, may declare the Agreement null and void and file suit to enforce title II of
the ADA, or it may initiate appropriate steps to enforce section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act.
- This Agreement is a public document. A copy of this document or any information
contained in it shall be made available to any person by the Borough or the Department
on request.
- This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties on the matters raised
herein, and no other statement, promise, or agreement, either written or oral, made by
either party or agents of either party, that is not contained in this written Agreement, shall
be enforceable. This Agreement does not purport to remedy any other potential
violations of the ADA or any other Federal law. This Agreement does not affect the
Borough's continuing responsibility to comply with all aspects of the ADA.
- Attached hereto as Attachment C is the Borough of Red Bank's Compliance Chart, which
hereby accepted by the Department of Justice as the compliance plan of the Borough of
Red Bank.
- The effective date of this Agreement is the date of the last signature below.
- This Agreement will remain in effect for three years after the date of the final deadline set
forth in this Agreement.
- The person signing for the Borough of Red Bank represents that he is authorized to bind
the Borough to this Agreement.
For the Borough:
____________________________________ Date:_10/28/02_
Mayor Edward J. McKenna, Jr.
Borough of Red Bank
91 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
For the United States:
RALPH F. BOYD, JR.,
Assistant Attorney General
Civil Rights Division
BY:____________________________________ Date:_10/30/02_
JOHN L. WODATCH, Chief
SUSAN BUCKINGHAM REILLY, Deputy Chief
NATALIE SINICROPE, Investigator
Disability Rights Section
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT B
ATTACHMENT C