City Council addresses ADA lawsuits impacting small businesses and predatory litigation concerns

In a recent government meeting focused on supporting ADA compliance for small businesses in New York City, officials addressed the pressing issue of predatory litigation targeting local enterprises. Council Member Menon highlighted the case of an individual who has filed 113 federal ADA lawsuits against small businesses since 2018, raising concerns about the impact of such actions on the local economy.

City representatives acknowledged the challenges posed by these lawsuits, describing them as a significant concern for many businesses. They emphasized ongoing discussions at both leadership and staff levels to tackle the trend of predatory litigation. In response, the city has collaborated with experts from the Commission on Human Rights and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities to create a centralized resource on the My City business site, aimed at assisting small businesses in navigating ADA compliance.

The meeting also touched on the process of precomplaint interventions, which can help resolve accessibility complaints without monetary penalties. These interventions involve law enforcement bureau staff working directly with businesses to implement reasonable accommodations, such as training and policy changes. However, the city does not currently track complaints by business size or industry, focusing instead on outreach efforts that have reached thousands of small business owners through disability training and resource fairs.

As the city continues to address these challenges, the emphasis remains on providing support and resources to ensure that small businesses can comply with ADA requirements while minimizing the risk of litigation.