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VESSEL AGREES TO INSTALL PLATFORM LIFT FOR ADA COMPLIANCE
Access to Vessel, including 360˚ views from its upper levels, will be available to individuals with disabilities thanks to an agreement between the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Related Cos. and ERY Vessel LLC to install a "one-of-a-kind" platform lift at the interactive art centerpiece of the Hudson Yards megadevelopment in NYC, various news outlets, including Hyperallergic, report. It is served by a single, custom-made elevator that stops at three of its 80 platforms. Visitors must otherwise use stairs. On December 23, 2019, the government announced Vessel violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) since its most-visited areas cannot be accessed by those with disabilities. Prosecutors further pointed out Related has directed operators to skip platforms at levels five and seven, stopping at only the highest level, eight. The agreement requires the existing elevator stop at all levels upon request, and allow disabled visitors to reserve tickets in advance. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman says Related "has agreed to commit substantial resources to install a platform lift." The move was applauded by disabled-rights activists.
Image credit: courtesy of Shannon Finnegan
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