Calling for Accessibility at Westbeth

My office was recently contacted by a resident of Westbeth Artists Housing who informed us that new scaffolding and a sidewalk shed were installed that impede physical access to the building, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act. Many residents who cannot navigate steps or narrow sidewalks must now travel several blocks in order to access a back-entrance, yet that route entails going over a rough, broken courtyard surface. Planned construction on a new wheelchair ramp is expected to take nine months. Consequently, I joined my colleagues Assembly Member Deborah Glick, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and Council Member Corey Johnson in writing to Westbeth Management and demanding swift action on improving building accessibility. Please see our letter attached.