Greenwich Reaches Settlement On ADA Complaint At Byram Marina

GREENWICH, CT — The United States Attorney's Office has reached a settlement agreement with the town of Greenwich to resolve allegations that a Greenwich marina was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The settlement stems from a complaint made by an individual with disabilities who claimed that Greenwich's Byram Marina has no designated accessible boat slips and no accessible routes to the boat slips, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery in a news release.

The name of the person who made the complaint was not released.

"Among the most important protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act are those ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to public services, including recreational activities such as boating," Avery said.

"Our office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires public entities, including municipalities, to provide access to individuals with disabilities," Avery added. "We greatly appreciate the willingness of the town of Greenwich and its leaders to work with our office collaboratively to increase the accessibility and usability of Greenwich’s facilities."

As required by the settlement, Greenwich is now in the process of making significant improvements to the marina, including improving the accessibility of designated boat slips, routes to the slips and other accommodations designed to increase accessibility.

According to the Greenwich Parks & Recreation website, the Byram Marina, which is located on Rich Avenue, has approximately 170 slips.

Under federal law, public entities are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability, Avery said.

The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.

DOJ is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages and civil penalties, Avery said.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a public entity or place of public accommodation in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.