STATEN ISLAND — A bill to make it easier for people with disabilities to find entrances to public buildings has cleared the City Council.
The bill, sponsored by City Councilwoman Debi Rose passed 47-0 Monday, requiring owners of any public buildings to post signs on main entrances that are inaccessible to people with disabilities that will re-direct them to entryways that are accessible, according to a press release.
If the handicap-accessible entrance is locked on a regular basis, the bill also demands a sign be posted there with a phone number or other methods to gain entrance into the building.
Rose said in a release that when the main entrance of the building is inaccessible, people with disabilities are forced to circle the building to look for an available entrance.
“I am grateful and proud to see so many of my colleagues sign on to co-sponsor and help pass this important piece of legislation as we continue to work daily to ensure a better quality of life for every New Yorker,” Rose said in a statement.
The bill passed through the council and building owners have until April 1, 2013 to post the signs, the release said.
Any owner who fails to post a sign by then will face a $50 fine for each day without one, according to the bill.
