Chamber CEO testifies on helping small businesses to comply with accessibility laws

May 9, 2025 – Jessica Walker, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, testified before the New York City Council yesterday, May 9th, at a hearing focused on supporting small businesses in complying with accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Walker's testimony highlighted the Manhattan business community's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all New Yorkers and visitors, while also addressing the practical challenges small businesses face in navigating complex regulations and funding necessary accessibility upgrades. She emphasized the need for increased city resources, clear guidance, and collaborative solutions to help businesses achieve compliance and avoid punitive measures.

"Ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities is not just a legal requirement; it is a fundamental aspect of building an inclusive and welcoming city," said Jessica Walker. "Manhattan's small businesses are eager to serve all members of our community, but the path to full compliance with accessibility laws can be complex and costly. Our testimony outlined concrete steps the city can take to provide the necessary resources and support, transforming compliance from a daunting burden into an achievable goal for our vital small business sector."

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for policies that support small business growth, enhance the business environment, and promote an equitable and accessible New York City. 

Full Testimony of Jessica Walker, President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Before the New York City Council

Hearing on Small Business Accessibility Compliance

May 9, 2025

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce represents the 129,000 businesses throughout the borough of Manhattan, both large and small.

As you may know, May is small business month -- and you are making a lot of small businesses happy with this hearing.

Our Chamber runs a Storefront Business Coalition. One of its co-chairs owns a boutique flower shop near City Hall. He desperately wanted to join today’s hearing, but of course this is his busy time of year. Gentle reminder that Sunday is Mothers Day!

He is one of the impacted small business owners we’re discussing today. His store was targeted by an aggressive lawyer and sued for having an entrance that was out compliance with the federal disability laws. He didn’t even own the building, but their business was named in the lawsuit because standard leases in NY have catchall language saying that the business must comply with all laws so it kind of puts them on the hook even if they don’t own the building.

So he had to pay a $5000 retainer just to have a lawyer appear with him in court to answer the summons and clear up who was accountable and ultimately obtain a stay.

$5,000 is not a small expense for the average small business owner. And of course that’s just the starting point because the business can also be forced to pay the plantiff’s attorney fees, which is another incentive to move right to lawsuits as opposed to giving the business an opportunity to correct the violation. They often target small businesses because hey don’t have the wherewithal to defend themselves.

Unfortunately we are seeing an increasing number of aggressive small businesses lawsuits targeting the accessibility of physical spaces but also online, targeting the accessibility of websites for the visually impaired.

The vast majority of small businesses are trying to do the right thing. They want to do the right thing. Those who are not in compliance likely don’t know it.

But it can be overwhelming to be a business owner. So many things are thrown at them. So anything we can do to make their lives easier, help them comply, and provide carrots as opposed to only sticks, is worthwhile and helpful.

That’s why we strongly support Intros. 282, 639 and 1260, legislation to provide small business owners with education, legal assistance, and funding to comply with local and federal laws governing accessibility.

A special thank you to Public Advocate Williams, Chair Williams, Chair Menin, Chair Feliz, and Council member Narcisse. We would love to see these bills get passed as soon as possible – and will help in any way we can. Thank you.