mark handler
SAWHORSE
Arkansas Tenants Accuse Management Of Violating Americans With Disabilities Act
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWSJuly 15, 2012
http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=560772
First they had rabid bats and now tenants of a downtown apartment complex claim they're being restricted from using handicap accessible entrances.
Tenants at the Albert Pike apartments said they're scared to speak out about the things they see faced with possible wrongful evictions.
"They're scared they're intimidated, they've been threatened with eviction," said the daughter of a tenant who wished to remain anonymous.
They're scared they're intimidated, they've been threatened with eviction," said the daughter of a tenant who wished to remain anonymous.
She said the confirmed bat problem only scratches the surface as far as issues tenants there face.
Showing us a flier posted on doors by management restricting them from using first floor entrances while they're rented out for special events.
"The only accessible exit is the Scott Street entrance and it's blocked during these receptions and weddings," our source said.
The entrance they say is the only handicap accessible entrance to the tenants many of whom are elderly and disabled.
"So they're basically prisoners in their home."
The doors are not kept locked so in case of an emergency they are accessible.
"But in my opinion, and I think with the American Disabilities Act ,that you have a freedom to leave not just in an emergency."
The Americans with Disabilities Act does say all buildings must have at least one accessible route complying with handicap accessible standards.
"These are really great people and I don't think they should be treated like they've been."
Little Rock Fire Department officials said they haven't received any formal complaints and because the doors aren't locked or blocked in anyway they can't cite the property.
However they said they will be speaking with management to make sure they are not discouraging the use of those handicap entrances.
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWSJuly 15, 2012
http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=560772
First they had rabid bats and now tenants of a downtown apartment complex claim they're being restricted from using handicap accessible entrances.
Tenants at the Albert Pike apartments said they're scared to speak out about the things they see faced with possible wrongful evictions.
"They're scared they're intimidated, they've been threatened with eviction," said the daughter of a tenant who wished to remain anonymous.
They're scared they're intimidated, they've been threatened with eviction," said the daughter of a tenant who wished to remain anonymous.
She said the confirmed bat problem only scratches the surface as far as issues tenants there face.
Showing us a flier posted on doors by management restricting them from using first floor entrances while they're rented out for special events.
"The only accessible exit is the Scott Street entrance and it's blocked during these receptions and weddings," our source said.
The entrance they say is the only handicap accessible entrance to the tenants many of whom are elderly and disabled.
"So they're basically prisoners in their home."
The doors are not kept locked so in case of an emergency they are accessible.
"But in my opinion, and I think with the American Disabilities Act ,that you have a freedom to leave not just in an emergency."
The Americans with Disabilities Act does say all buildings must have at least one accessible route complying with handicap accessible standards.
"These are really great people and I don't think they should be treated like they've been."
Little Rock Fire Department officials said they haven't received any formal complaints and because the doors aren't locked or blocked in anyway they can't cite the property.
However they said they will be speaking with management to make sure they are not discouraging the use of those handicap entrances.