A lawsuit has forced New York City to invest significant funds and people power to making the public realm more accessible to people with disabilities.
"New York City plans to hire 500 workers and spend $1.55 billion over the next decade to make it easier for people with disabilities to traverse city streets," reports Dana Rubinstein.
The news comes after a federal judge approved a settlement "requiring New York City to dramatically overhaul its curb ramps, most of which do not meet federal accessibility requirements" earlier this week.
Rubintein provides more specifics on the work that will be enacted for the city's new "Pedestrian Ramp Unit":
The settlement approved Tuesday requires the city to survey every single corner in the five boroughs by October 31 using laser technology. The city is required to conduct two subsequent surveys in 2033 and 2046.
All but roughly 3,100 street corners in New York City have pedestrian ramps — themselves the product of prior litigation — but most of them are not up to code. Upgrades of most non-compliant pedestrian ramps will have to be completed by 2034.
James Weisman, the president and CEO of the United Spinal Association and a signatory to the settlement, calls the settlement "historic" in the article.
FULL STORY: New York City makes a $1.55B, 500-person commitment to accessible street corners
Report: NYC Transit Accessibility Depends on Congestion Pricing Revenue
The ability of the MTA to complete its accessibility upgrades relies on funding from the upcoming congestion pricing program.
New Guidelines Bring Clarity to Accessibility Requirements
The new rules could help bridge the gaps in accessibility infrastructure and ADA compliance, making roads and sidewalks safer for everyone.
New York Subway Begins Accessibility Improvements
The MTA is putting its effort to improve the system’s century-old stations to make them more universally accessible in high gear, adding elevators, boarding upgrades, and mechanical improvements.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service