Los Angeles Will Fix Crumbling, Inaccessible Sidewalks


Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Attorney Guy Wallace and CALIF Director Lillibeth Navarro
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Attorney Guy Wallace and CALIF Director Lillibeth Navarro

After years of legal wrangling, the City of Los Angeles reached a tentative settlement with disability advocates for a record $1.4 billion. The April 1 agreement will fix crumbling sidewalks that have left wheelchair users without the adequate public access guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“I’m pleased with the settlement because this is a result of a valiant effort of our people who insist that sidewalks have to be made accessible,” says Lillibeth Navarro, a plaintiff and executive director for Communities Actively Living Independent and Free. “We’re very grateful that a group of competent lawyers have taken on an issue that has long been ignored.“

Under the terms of the settlement that must be approved by a judge, the city has 30 years to repair or replace damaged sidewalks. It must spend $31 million annually on sidewalk improvements starting next year with a gradual increase to $63 million in future years. The city must also pay $15 million in attorneys fees and costs.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2010 by CALIF and several disability advocates, alleges the city discriminated against its residents with disabilities by:

  • Not fixing sidewalks in disrepair
  • Not fixing sidewalks with too-steep curb cuts
  • Not removing obstructions such as signs and trees that blocked sidewalks
  • Not ensuring adequate access via sidewalks to public transportation.

It’s estimated that 40 percent of city sidewalks need repairs.

Broken sidewalks have also caused numerous accidents for Los Angelenos. The city has spent more than $6 million in trip-and-fall payouts since 2011, according to the city attorney’s office.

“This settlement is an enormous step forward for the City of Los Angeles and its residents,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said in a statement. “For decades, buckled sidewalks have plagued neighborhoods from the San Fernando Valley to the South Bay. All of that is going to change starting today with the city’s historic commitment to fix our sidewalks and make them accessible.”


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