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Board approves up to $65,000 to address ADA deficiencies in Castine Point after federal complaint
Summary
The Long Beach Board authorized up to $65,000 from sidewalk funds to correct ADA accessibility issues in the Castine/Casteen Point subdivision, contingent on confirmation from a federal civil-rights reviewer that proposed fixes satisfy the complaint.
The Long Beach Board of Aldermen on Dec. 17 approved a plan to correct Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility problems in the Castine/Casteen Point subdivision and authorized city counsel to consult with federal reviewers before spending funds.
The board approved a motion authorizing city staff and counsel to contact the civil-rights specialist named in the complaint and the Federal Highway Administration, and to proceed with proposed improvements up to $65,000 if that review finds the fixes adequate. Mayor (presiding) said, “We’re looking at approximately $65,000 to make these corrections,” describing the work as connections and curb improvements to make sidewalks accessible across the subdivision.
Why it matters: the city received a complaint dated April 7, 2023, alleging missing ADA sidewalk connections across multiple phases of Castine/Casteen Point. Council members and staff said some corrective work may already have been completed, and they wanted federal confirmation to avoid unnecessary spending.
City attorney Simpson and city engineer David urged caution and recommended sending the proposed plans to the complaint’s civil-rights specialist, identified in the packet as Miss Bell, before obligating funds. As Simpson put it during discussion, the board should "make contact with Miss Bell, the civil rights specialist who contacted us about the complaint, and provide her the copies of the proposed improvements" so the city can confirm the work will satisfy federal requirements.
The board also directed that, if the improvements are required and acceptable, the expenditure come from sidewalk funds so the general fund is not impacted. A council member noted additional Internet sales tax receipts due in mid-January that could be used for roads if necessary. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Next steps: city counsel will contact the named reviewer and return to the board if the federal reviewer requests changes or if additional funds are needed. If the reviewer confirms the proposed corrections will resolve the complaint, the city will proceed with the work under the allocated budget.
