NYC man wins $51,000 from Co-op because it refused to make front door accessible

From The NY Daily News:

A handicapped Bronx man won $51,000 from Co-op City management after it refused to make the front door to his building wheelchair-accessible.

"It was a big victory, not just for me but for every disabled New Yorker," said John Rose, 67. "We deserve our equal rights."

Rose, who has cerebral palsy, said Co-op City ignored his request for an accessible door for more than two years.

The building finally let him use a side door, but he felt unsafe because he couldn't see out the door's small window and was hidden from the security guard.

The commission on Human Rights ordered Co-op City to pay Rose $50,000 for his pain, suffering and mental anguish - as well as $1,000 for damages to his scooter from using it to push the doors open.

Co-op City also was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine to the city. It did not respond to a request for comment on whether it will appeal.