Comment NumberOL-100141
OrganizationKadina Corp.
Received02/09/2005 05:11:48 PM
Commenter
First NameLast NameState/Province
RandallBradleyIA
AgencyU. S. Department of Justice
Docket IDCRT Docket No. 2004-DRS01
RuleNondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services; Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities
AttachmentsNo Attachments

CommentsAnswers to Specific Questions

General Comments
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposed extension of ADA requirements to existing employee areas. I own restaurants. My kitchens are full. In order to comply with previous provisions, I would have to knock out a wall to add to my building, which would also mean moving a drive-thru lane and paying to reconfigure all of my equipment and fixtures, all of which would require the appropriate professionals to make sure I was in compliance, along with local approval and local and state building requirements. In addition, my property taxes would go up. All of this expense, probably in the range of $50,000-$80,000 would go toward expense that does nothing to increase my sales or profits, so I don't know how I would pay for it. My only other options would be to close the business, or reduce my menu so I could get rid of some equipment, again eliminating the business profit on which I live. I have, in good faith, made my customer areas compliant with ADA requirements, but there is nothing "reasonable" about the accommodations this extension would require of me. I fear for the existence of my business, which I have worked all of my professional life to build. If my business is forced to close, there won't be any jobs for the disabled, or a restaurant for them to visit as customers, either. Please give small business owners a break from unreasonable regulations.