Crime & Safety
Ridgefield Restaurant Will Be More Accessible Following ADA Settlement
The changes at Baja Cocina in Ridgefield resolve an Americans with Disabilities Act related complaint filed with the Justice Department,
RIDGEFIELD, CT — A Ridgefield restaurant has agreed to make changes to become more accessible to persons with mobility disabilities.
The changes at Baja Cocina are required under a settlement agreement signed by Ridgefield Taco LLC, the owner of the Main Street eatery, and the federal government under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The settlement resolves a complaint made with the Justice Department that claims that Baja Cocina is not physically accessible to persons with mobility disabilities, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Under the agreement, Baja Cocina must work with its landlord to provide an accessible parking space for the restaurant. It must also continue to provide curbside service to persons with mobility disabilities and ensure that it provides accessible dining surfaces in its outdoor dining area. Inside the restaurant, the restaurant must install ADA-compliant signage and make changes to its accessible bathroom, including relocating the toilet flush controls, relocating a grab bar, and relocating a soap dispenser.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of "public accommodation," including restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic compliance reviews of covered entities. The Justice Department 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.
The U.S. Attorney's Office made note of the cooperation of Baja Cocina’s owner in resolving this matter without litigation.
The settlement will remain in effect for three years, and Baja Cocina must submit certifications concerning its compliance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office every six months until it has fully complied with the agreement.
