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Eatery sued over famed eco-friendly bathroom by paraplegic man
By Selim AlgarMay 12, 2015 | 11:20pm
http://nypost.com/2015/05/12/eatery-sued-over-famed-eco-friendly-bathroom-by-paraplegic-man/
It ain’t easy being green.
One of New York’s most famous — and eco-friendly — restaurant bathrooms is under legal attack from a paraplegic Brooklyn man who is suing because it is not wheelchair-accessible.
A 2011 finalist for “America’s Best Restroom” honors, the john at Fort Greene eatery Habana Outpost boasts a rainwater-powered toilet, a glass ceiling and a unique jungle theme with ferns to catch the light and keep air clean.
But the facility could be forced to undergo major alterations after Brooklynite Sam Lopez, 48, sued the restaurant for allegedly failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Among other complaints, Lopez claims that the loo lacks support bars, has too little floor area for wheelchairs, and that the flushing handle is out of reach, his Brooklyn federal court filing states.
Lopez’s lawyer, Tara Demetriades, is behind a flurry of lawsuits against businesses over accessibility.
Habana Outpost owner Sean Meenan, a New York native who opened Habana branches in Malibu, New Orleans and Dubai, did not return calls for comment.
By Selim AlgarMay 12, 2015 | 11:20pm
http://nypost.com/2015/05/12/eatery-sued-over-famed-eco-friendly-bathroom-by-paraplegic-man/
It ain’t easy being green.
One of New York’s most famous — and eco-friendly — restaurant bathrooms is under legal attack from a paraplegic Brooklyn man who is suing because it is not wheelchair-accessible.
A 2011 finalist for “America’s Best Restroom” honors, the john at Fort Greene eatery Habana Outpost boasts a rainwater-powered toilet, a glass ceiling and a unique jungle theme with ferns to catch the light and keep air clean.
But the facility could be forced to undergo major alterations after Brooklynite Sam Lopez, 48, sued the restaurant for allegedly failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Among other complaints, Lopez claims that the loo lacks support bars, has too little floor area for wheelchairs, and that the flushing handle is out of reach, his Brooklyn federal court filing states.
Lopez’s lawyer, Tara Demetriades, is behind a flurry of lawsuits against businesses over accessibility.
Habana Outpost owner Sean Meenan, a New York native who opened Habana branches in Malibu, New Orleans and Dubai, did not return calls for comment.