photo by Alan Seiden
Attorney says Ridgewood is required to make Graydon Park accessible
TUESDAY AUGUST 21, 2012, 10:07 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The village is legally responsible to ensure that the entire facility at Graydon Park conforms to all regulations set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when Ridgewood’s governing body proceeds with plans to improve accessibility into the pool, legal officials confirmed last week.
Members of the Village Council last month discussed the possibility of modifying preliminary plans for a new ADA ramp leading into the water, but the topic was left open for future dialogue following a debate over the municipality’s legal accessibility obligations.
Mayor Paul Aronsohn picked up the conversation last week and verified that accessibility compliance regulations differ for public and private entities.
“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, private businesses and private homes only have a legal obligation to make accessibility changes if they’re undertaking a major renovation. The question is: We’re not making major renovations with Graydon, do we still have a legal obligation?” Aronsohn said during last week’s work session.
Village Attorney Matt Rogers detailed the ADA and explained how it will impact Ridgewood’s plans to improve accessibility at the pool.