Arecibo responds to ADA lawsuit with accessibility improvement plan
Following a federal lawsuit alleging multiple violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Municipality of Arecibo has launched a plan to improve accessibility across public buildings and spaces, Mayor Carlos “Tito” Ramírez-Irizarry confirmed.
The lawsuit, filed by the father of two children with spinal muscular atrophy, names the Municipality of Arecibo, the Government of Puerto Rico and 16 local businesses as defendants.
According to the complaint, people with disabilities in Arecibo face persistent barriers due to systemic noncompliance with accessibility standards. The suit seeks a nominal $1 in damages, highlighting a goal of long-term structural reform rather than compensation, the municipality said.
“We have examined the claim through our legal team, and certainly, for too many years, there have been architectural limitations that were not addressed in the past,” Ramírez-Irizarry said. “We will work together to resolve this situation. It is fair and appropriate.”
As a first step, the municipality will prepare a room on the ground floor of City Hall to serve residents with mobility issues. The project will follow ADA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. At the same time, officials have begun inspecting sidewalks and ramps along Diego Street and Francisco Marín Street. Other municipal buildings outside the town center will be evaluated next.
The Municipal Public Works Department has also been instructed to ensure that future construction and renovation projects — including court buildings and recreational facilities — meet accessibility standards. The requirement will be included as standard policy going forward.
The lawsuit also alleges that businesses in Arecibo obtained use permits by falsely certifying compliance with ADA requirements, creating physical barriers for residents with disabilities.
Ramírez-Irizarry said the city has a responsibility as a regional hub in northern Puerto Rico. “Arecibo will approach this reality responsibly, based on the principle of accessibility and inclusion,” he said. “We are committed to reporting on our progress and ensuring that accessibility becomes a fundamental part of our urban development strategy.”
Irizarry said the city has a responsibility as a regional hub in northern Puerto Rico
The legal action follows a broader trend of ADA-related litigation in Puerto Rico. As News is My Business previously reported, dozens of businesses and municipalities have faced similar suits related to infrastructure compliance.
Although no timeline was announced, the mayor said improvements at City Hall will begin immediately and are a municipal priority.
