Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Feds Sue Developer For Failing To Make Luxury Apartments Wheelchair Accessible
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 18, 2014
Modified Mar 18, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 18, 2014
Modified Mar 18, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has sued developer Related Companies for creating luxury housing that isn't accessible to people with disabilities. According to a DOJ release, more than 750 units in One Carnegie Hill and Tribeca Green are in violation of the Fair Housing Act [PDF] because of their poorly designed common areas, narrow kitchens, and inaccessible electrical outlets, mailboxes, and trash rooms.
“We will not allow developers and architects who deprive people with disabilities of accessible housing to evade the consequences of their failure to comply with clear, long-standing federal civil rights laws," Bharara says in the statement. The U.S. Attorney's office has aggressively pursued violations of the Fair Housing Act with developers in New York City for years.
Related is one of the city's largest development firms, and was a favorite of the Bloomberg administration: in December the outgoing administration gave the company $120 million in tax breaks for its work on the Hudson Yards and Willets Point projects.
The developer released this statement on the lawsuit:
We are disappointed by the fact that we have been unable to reach agreement with the U.S. Attorneys’ office respecting the subject matter of the complaint, especially given our long-time commitment to accommodating disabilities. We have labored in good faith to reach a resolution, going substantially beyond what we felt was legally required. Unfortunately, for the time being, we have reached an impasse with the Government which we believe is asking for things not required by law. We are hopeful that as the case progresses, Related and the Government will be able to reach a resolution of all outstanding issues.
Tagged
fair housing act
preet bharara
related companies
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Are NJ schools unconstitutionally segregated? It's back to the courts to decide.
Mediation didn't resolve the years-old case. A ruling for the plaintiffs could upend how public schooling works in New Jersey.
By
Colleen O'Dea
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Early Addition: New Jersey considering a ban on chewing gum because of microplastics
Because New Jersey is just trying to keep its people safe, here are your early links: Early voters get a spooky sticker, Tom Hanks returning to Broadway, a time capsule letter to the NYC mayor in 2026 and more.
By
James Ramsay
News
Early Addition: New Jersey considering a ban on chewing gum because of microplastics
Because New Jersey is just trying to keep its people safe, here are your early links: Early voters get a spooky sticker, Tom Hanks returning to Broadway, a time capsule letter to the NYC mayor in 2026 and more.
By
James Ramsay
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress
By
Walter Wuthmann
,
Jon Campbell
and
Brigid Bergin
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .