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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by William Jun, Senior Staff Attorney of the Disability Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
4:27:14
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100 sec
William Jun testified in support of Intro 1138, emphasizing the importance of proper daylighting implementation for people with disabilities. He highlighted concerns about accessibility issues caused by improperly placed daylighting barriers and urged for ADA compliance and swift resolution of complaints.
- Stressed the need for daylighting to be done correctly without compromising accessibility
- Shared an example of a misplaced concrete block blocking a curb cut for six months
- Recommended including accessibility assessments in DOT's annual daylighting report and addressing complaints urgently
UNKNOWN
4:27:14
My name is William Jun, and I'm a senior staff attorney with the disability justice program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest.
4:27:20
We are here to support ensure 11:38.
4:27:22
Improving visibility at intersections is important for pedestrian safety, especially for people with disabilities.
4:27:29
While we support this bill, any daylighting must be done correctly and not compromise accessibility for people with disabilities.
4:27:37
We've seen concrete blocks and planters installed in ways that block or narrow access to curb cuts and crosswalk.
4:27:44
For example, reported to the DOT a large concrete block placed directly in the middle of a curb cut in this intersection right in front of Penn Station.
4:27:53
It took the DOT almost six months to move it to a proper location.
4:27:57
For that entire time, people using wheelchairs could not access the curb cut and were forced into the roadway to cross the street directly alongside moving moving traffic.
4:28:08
That's why we strongly urge the council to require the DOT to ensure that all daylighting barriers are installed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other accessibility laws.
4:28:19
At a minimum, the DOT's annual daylighting report must include a description of whether the daylighting barriers provide full street access for people with disabilities.
4:28:29
Moreover, any complaint regarding daylighting barriers should be addressed urgently.
4:28:34
It should never take six months to remove a barrier that blocks access to streets and sidewalks.
4:28:39
These issues are not minor inconveniences.
4:28:41
They are immediate threats to public safety and violations of disabled New Yorkers' right to accessible streets and sidewalks.
4:28:49
Daylighting should be daylighting for all including people with disabilities.
4:28:53
Thank you very much.