As part of its aggressive equal access efforts under the Human Rights Law, CCHR targeted Brighton Beach because of its large number of elderly and disabled individuals, and a high percentage of inaccessible residential multiple-dwelling buildings. Of the 83 buildings CCHR surveyed, 56 were inaccessible due to a few steps at the entrances or in the lobbies. Commission staff interviewed residents who had been unable to leave their apartments for years.

During 2006, Commission staff successfully negotiated modifications for 23 buildings with 1,696 units, making those buildings accessible to over 3,500 tenants. The Commission achieved these modifications primarily through pre-complaint intervention and will continue to work in Brighton Beach until the remainder of the buildings the Commission identified are made accessible to their residents.

The Commission is evaluating other neighborhoods for their accessibility to disabled and elderly residents.