Brookline Town Council faces backlash over disability accommodation policy delays

Brookline's Select Board is facing pressing concerns regarding the town's handling of reasonable accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities. During the April 15, 2025 meeting, a poignant testimony from a resident highlighted the challenges families encounter when seeking necessary modifications to their homes under federal and state disability laws.

The resident, who has been advocating for a clearer and more efficient process for reasonable accommodations, shared her family's arduous journey over the past five years. Despite a legally mandated need for modifications to ensure accessibility for her medically complex daughter, the family faced significant delays, legal battles, and a lack of support from the town. The resident emphasized that the current system is not only burdensome but also violates civil rights laws, as it allows neighbor opposition to influence decisions that should be straightforward.

In response to these challenges, the resident proposed a new bylaw aimed at streamlining the accommodation process. This bylaw would assign the building commissioner the responsibility to review requests and issue decisions within 30 days, a timeline deemed necessary to prevent undue delays. The proposed bylaw aims to ensure that reasonable accommodations are treated as civil rights entitlements rather than discretionary zoning matters.

The Select Board discussed the implications of relying on a policy versus a bylaw, with several members expressing support for the proposed bylaw. They acknowledged that a policy lacks the same legal weight and could leave families vulnerable to further litigation and neighbor opposition. The board members recognized the need for a robust framework that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal laws.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was clear. The proposed bylaw is seen as a critical step toward safeguarding the rights of disabled residents in Brookline and preventing future legal entanglements. The Select Board is expected to revisit the proposal in upcoming meetings, with hopes of advancing a solution that prioritizes accessibility and civil rights for all residents.