mark handler
SAWHORSE
Disabled Veteran Fights Apartment Complex Over Handicap Sign
By Rick Reitzel
Published: June 08, 2011
http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/jun/08/3/disabled-vet-fights-apartment-complex-over-handica-ar-527967/
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
A dispute over handicap parking in a local apartment complex has a disabled vet and the complex going to court.
The couple, Rick and Myrna Taggart said that for three years they had a handicapped parking sign in front of their apartment. Then in April, it disappeared, only to reappear a month later eight spaces farther away.
"We came home on a Sunday and there was nowhere to park," said Myrna Taggart. Taggart's husband Rick is on 100 percent disability from injuries received during the Vietnam War.
"I would like to see the handicapped spots enforced and put where they are supposed to be," said Taggart.
On May 9, the complex sent the Taggarts a bill charging them to fix the hole in the ground left behind when the handicapped sign disappeared. The Taggarts said the apartment complex thinks they removed the original sign.
"The miscellaneous total owed on your June bill will be $25.51, please be aware this will need to be paid in full or we will not be able to accept your June rent," Taggart read from a letter the apartment management sent her.
Associated Estates in Cleveland manages the Sawmill Village apartments in Columbus. Their Director of Communications John Lytell said, "The miscellaneous charge is a due cause, due bill issue, which means the charge is justified."
He said, "The apartment complex put the new sign in the other location to give the Taggarts two parking spaces for more access to their van."
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus states there are federal and state laws which include protections against disabilities discrimination and those include private landlords.
"The landlord cannot refuse to make or address reasonable accommodation requests from tenants with disabilities," said Staff Attorney Dianna Parker.
The Taggarts said handicap parking space eight spots away is not reasonable. So in May they filed a disability complaint with HUD and the Franklin County Court is holding their rent in escrow until the both parties meet for mediation.
Lytell said the apartment complex tries to work directly with tenants over disputes as opposed to legal action but the Taggarts said they have no choice other than a legal one.
By Rick Reitzel
Published: June 08, 2011
http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/jun/08/3/disabled-vet-fights-apartment-complex-over-handica-ar-527967/
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
A dispute over handicap parking in a local apartment complex has a disabled vet and the complex going to court.
The couple, Rick and Myrna Taggart said that for three years they had a handicapped parking sign in front of their apartment. Then in April, it disappeared, only to reappear a month later eight spaces farther away.
"We came home on a Sunday and there was nowhere to park," said Myrna Taggart. Taggart's husband Rick is on 100 percent disability from injuries received during the Vietnam War.
"I would like to see the handicapped spots enforced and put where they are supposed to be," said Taggart.
On May 9, the complex sent the Taggarts a bill charging them to fix the hole in the ground left behind when the handicapped sign disappeared. The Taggarts said the apartment complex thinks they removed the original sign.
"The miscellaneous total owed on your June bill will be $25.51, please be aware this will need to be paid in full or we will not be able to accept your June rent," Taggart read from a letter the apartment management sent her.
Associated Estates in Cleveland manages the Sawmill Village apartments in Columbus. Their Director of Communications John Lytell said, "The miscellaneous charge is a due cause, due bill issue, which means the charge is justified."
He said, "The apartment complex put the new sign in the other location to give the Taggarts two parking spaces for more access to their van."
The Legal Aid Society of Columbus states there are federal and state laws which include protections against disabilities discrimination and those include private landlords.
"The landlord cannot refuse to make or address reasonable accommodation requests from tenants with disabilities," said Staff Attorney Dianna Parker.
The Taggarts said handicap parking space eight spots away is not reasonable. So in May they filed a disability complaint with HUD and the Franklin County Court is holding their rent in escrow until the both parties meet for mediation.
Lytell said the apartment complex tries to work directly with tenants over disputes as opposed to legal action but the Taggarts said they have no choice other than a legal one.
