U.S. Attorney Breon S. Peace | U.S. Department of Justice
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. The announcement was made by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
"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."
The library, located at 47-40 Center Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens, was designed by Steven Holl Architects under a contract with the City. It opened in fall 2019 but failed to meet ADA standards due to limited accessibility within its architectural features.
A compliance review conducted by the United States in December 2019 identified approximately 95 violations. The City and QBPL have agreed to address these issues through several measures. Planned work includes constructing a platform lift from the fifth tier to the fourth tier of a mezzanine area and adding a skywalk/skybridge to connect it with the third tier. These additions will allow stair-free access between tiers.
Furthermore, QBPL will refrain from placing any part of its collection on an inaccessible second tier until it is accessible to those with mobility impairments. Additional improvements include creating wheelchair-accessible spaces in both children's areas and on a rooftop terrace.
All remediation efforts are expected to be completed within five years as stipulated by this agreement.
This case is managed by Civil Division Civil Rights Chief Michael J. Goldberger's office.
