Citizens for an Accessible and Usable Savannah (CAUSE)

The Advocacy Reporter

Savannah, Georgia

June, 2002

Problem Entity Assigned To Date Initiated Status

Inaccessible entrance Spanky's Bob 9/96 Spanky's - Southside has been rebuilt on the same site. Reportedly, it is much more accessible on the inside. Michael Clay and George Helmey, both members of CAUSE noted physical accessibility problems with Spanky's in Pooler. They noted the need for a small interior ramp. They pursued the issue throught the DOJ Mediation Program which is coordinated with the Key Bridge Foundation. They engaged in a face-to-face mediation with Spanky's, reached agreement on remedies and timelines, and satisfactorily resolved the issue. GOOD WORK, GUYS!

Inaccessible entrance Arby's LIFE 9/96 Completed

Inaccessible entrance Malone's Wayne 9/96 COMPLETED: SUCCESS NEWS FLASH!!MALONES NOW HAS AN ENTRANCE RAMP. After 4 years, countless letters and phone calls, 2 personal meetings, and involvement of 2 architects and 3 attorneys, City Market has installed an entrance ramp to Malone's. In addition, the ramp also makes World Winds, an adjacent shop accessible. The project was estimated at $12,000 by City of Savannah staff. In reality, the project cost $4,000 and took 4 days to complete.

Inaccessible entrance City Market Wayne 9/96 Planned renovations to the elevator near Malone's have been completed and the elevator is operational. Seasons remains inaccessible; management has been notified. Wayne will speak to them one last time.

Inaccessible entrance Mrs. Wilkes Wayne 8/97 COMPLETED: SUCCESS NEWS FLASH!!Mrs. Wilkes' has installed an entrance ramp. The City of Savannah has installed a curb cut to enable wheelchair users to access the sidewalk on West Jones Street. ADVOCATES REJOICE! ENJOY and PASS ON YOUR APPRECIATION TO MANAGEMENT. Wayne has shared tax credit information.

Inaccessible entrance Lady and Sons Wayne 10/97 NEWS FLASH!! On February 22, 2000 U.S. District Court Judge B. Avant Edenfield - Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary order against the owners of The Lady & Sons, a renowned Savannah restaurant famous for its Southern cuisine compelling them to modify the entrance (i.e.,install a ramp) in order to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101). The preliminary order (posted here in .pdf format - Adobe reader required) resolves a lawsuit filed by David Wayne Dawson, Jr. and Frederick C. Marshall, both residents of Savannah who use power wheelchairs. Both men are founding members of CAUSE - Citizens for an Accessible and Usable Savannah, Inc. This preliminary order for summary judgment required plaintiff's attorney to draft a mandatory injunction order, including timelines by which the project should be completed. The final order (posted here)compells L&S to 1) identify an architect within 30 days of the order, 2) obtain a building permit within 60 days of the order and 3) complete the construction within 120 days of the order. Judge Edenfield also found that plaintiffs were entitled to $2160.86 in litigation costs. In good faith, L&S has submitted has submitted three proposed designs to the City of Savannah. All were denied. Jamie Deen has cooperated in a similar matter, and seems truly interested in resolving the entrance issue for other businesses.

Inaccessible bathroom Mr. Bs Restaurant Neil 12/97 COMPLETED: WAY TO GO, NEIL! Mr. B's owner contacted Mr. Raubach to inform him that the bathroom door has been widened. ADVOCATES ENJOY!

Inaccessible vehicles Grayline Wayne 12/97 The DOJ investigation is nearing completion. DOJ has contacted Wayne to determine whether other complainants feel that service for disabled patrons is comparable. An accessible tour bus has been purchased and is operational. (Look for the green Grayline bus #779.) Also, an accessible red trolley has been placed in operation. Reportedly, there is an understanding between Chatham Area Transit (CAT) and Grayline for lease of CAT vehicles when Over-The-Road (OTR)vehicles are needed. However, the Executive Director of CAT is unaware of this agreement and has stated that CAT vehicles would not be available for out-of-town excursions. A copy of the settlement agreement should available through DOJ and will be posted here.

Inaccessible bathroom Carey Hilliards Bob/
Wayne
2/98 Dawson and Habas vs. Carey Hilliards has been settled. The partition in front of the restrooms has been removed. Terms of the settlement must be confidential, but a joint press release was issued. A copy will be posted on this site. One newspaper ran the story. Kudos to Connect Savannah and Luke Dittrich for a fine story. Quoting Tom Richardson of Carey Hilliard's, 'I'm just glad it's over.'

Inaccessible entrance 31 West Congress Street Wayne 11/97 COMPLETED: Wayne spoke with Dick Mopper. The entrance ramp has been completed. Mr. Mopper plans to file for the tax credit, and later, to renovate an upstairs restroom to become accessible. Mr. Mopper is also President of the Downtown Business Association. He has been generally supportive of businesses attempting to comply with the ADA.

Lack of Accessible Parking Ford's Plaza Nick 8/98 Nick wrote a letter to the Property Manager of Ford's Plaza. He pointed out the need for accessible parking and the reason for providing it. Nick has noted that parking has been resolved. He further noted that the management of Ford's Plaza consulted the him for placement of a ramp and complied with his recommendation. The ramp has been installed and parking has been restriped. Thanks to Nick's consistent efforts, this issue has been resolved. WAY TO GO, NICK!

Inaccessible entrance Sports Fans Bar Bob 2/98 Sports Fans Bar was closed and has been reopened as Deja Groove. The owners are reportedly the owners of Malone's. A concrete ramp has been poured to allow access from the sidewalk to the wooden walk, and two loading ramps are placed at the door entrance. The ramps are steep, narrow, and questionably conform to the letter or spirit of the ADA.

Inaccessible entrance Kevin Barry's Wayne 2/98 Wayne and Attorney Chris Rouse met with Registered Agent Joseph Gannam at KB's on 11/2/99 to observe the entrance on site. KB's agreed in principle to construct an entrance ramp within a week of settlement. Wayne reviewed the plans. The City of Savannah has refused KB's request to install a ramp. Bob plans to pursue the ADA Mediation Program.

Inaccessible entrance JJ Cagneys Wayne 2/98 Wayne spoke with Jerry Zambito several times. Mr. Zambito expressed interest in installing a ramp in the rear of the building. Wayne followed up with Vince, Jerry's son. Vince has been checking into financing since late 1999. In 2002, Cagney's moved to an inaccessible watefront location.

Inaccessible Entrance Hiphuggers Willie 6/99 Willie wrote a letter to the owner of the establishment and received no response. Attorney Chris Rouse has written a letter of intent for legal action. Hiphuggers remodeled for approximately one month. While the interior of the establishment have not been examined, the renovation undoubtedly triggers the path-of-travel requirement as an alteration mandating that up to 80% of the cost of renovation should be directed towrd an accessible entrance. The 'Savannah One-Step' remains at the entrance.

Inaccessible Entrance Juarez on Broughton Wayne 2/99 Wayne provided tax information to management on two ocassions. Wayne sent a letter to the owner, Pedro Sarinana on 3/29/99. After no response, Wayne sent a followup letter. No response was received. Attorney Chris Rouse sent an intent to take legal action letter. Juarez retained Sara Lamar of Hunter, McLean, Exley & Dunn (HMED). HMED retained architect Scott Barnard to issue a litany of reasons a ramp to the entrance was not feasible. Additional defenses were resistance from the City of Savannah and Historic Review Commission. Both of these entities initially denied any resistance in personal conversations with Attorney Chris Rouse. An additional letter of intent to proceed with filing was sent. Ms. Lamar agreed to develop plans for an entrance ramp, and retained Architect Scott Barnard. Mr. Barnard developed numerous options, including installation of an electric lift to overcome a two-foot incline. The owners of the building have submitted several plans to the City, but were denied. They are planning to meet with the City Manager Michael Brown to discuss the impasse.

Inaccessible bathroom Krispy Kreme Neil 3/98 COMPLETED: SUCCESS! Neil contacted Mr. Dagenhardt, and requested the wider bathroom doorway. Mr. Dagenhardt completed the modification. CONGRATULATIONS! Neil.

Inaccessible bathroom. Krystal
500 Abercorn Neil 3/98 Is in process. Neil will follow up. The Manager has informed Wayne the renovations are planned.

Inaccessible elevators Sears Bob 3/98 Bob wrote letter to Sears on 3/18/98. No response since then. Bob received an unsatisfactory response. Bob states that his request for lowered buttons was accomplished. WAY TO GO, BOB!

This page last updated on June 18, 2002.

Back to Wayne's Home Page

Problem	Entity	Assigned To	Date Initiated	Status
Inaccessible entrance	Spanky's	Bob	9/96	Spanky's - Southside has been rebuilt on the same site. Reportedly, it is much more accessible on the inside. Michael Clay and George Helmey, both members of CAUSE noted physical accessibility problems with Spanky's in Pooler. They noted the need for a small interior ramp. They pursued the issue throught the DOJ Mediation Program which is coordinated with the Key Bridge Foundation. They engaged in a face-to-face mediation with Spanky's, reached agreement on remedies and timelines, and satisfactorily resolved the issue. GOOD WORK, GUYS!
Inaccessible entrance	Arby's	LIFE	9/96	*Completed*
Inaccessible entrance	Malone's	Wayne	9/96	COMPLETED: SUCCESS NEWS FLASH!!MALONES NOW HAS AN ENTRANCE RAMP. After 4 years, countless letters and phone calls, 2 personal meetings, and involvement of 2 architects and 3 attorneys, City Market has installed an entrance ramp to Malone's. In addition, the ramp also makes World Winds, an adjacent shop accessible. The project was estimated at $12,000 by City of Savannah staff. In reality, the project cost $4,000 and took 4 days to complete.
Inaccessible entrance	City Market	Wayne	9/96	Planned renovations to the elevator near Malone's have been completed and the elevator is operational. Seasons remains inaccessible; management has been notified. Wayne will speak to them one last time.
Inaccessible entrance	Mrs. Wilkes	Wayne	8/97	COMPLETED: SUCCESS NEWS FLASH!!Mrs. Wilkes' has installed an entrance ramp. The City of Savannah has installed a curb cut to enable wheelchair users to access the sidewalk on West Jones Street. ADVOCATES REJOICE! ENJOY and PASS ON YOUR APPRECIATION TO MANAGEMENT. Wayne has shared tax credit information.
Inaccessible entrance	Lady and Sons	Wayne	10/97	NEWS FLASH!! On February 22, 2000 U.S. District Court Judge B. Avant Edenfield - Southern District of Georgia issued a preliminary order against the owners of The Lady & Sons, a renowned Savannah restaurant famous for its Southern cuisine compelling them to modify the entrance (i.e.,install a ramp) in order to comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101). The preliminary order (posted here in .pdf format - Adobe reader required) resolves a lawsuit filed by David Wayne Dawson, Jr. and Frederick C. Marshall, both residents of Savannah who use power wheelchairs. Both men are founding members of CAUSE - Citizens for an Accessible and Usable Savannah, Inc. This preliminary order for summary judgment required plaintiff's attorney to draft a mandatory injunction order, including timelines by which the project should be completed. The final order (posted here)compells L&S to 1) identify an architect within 30 days of the order, 2) obtain a building permit within 60 days of the order and 3) complete the construction within 120 days of the order. Judge Edenfield also found that plaintiffs were entitled to $2160.86 in litigation costs. In good faith, L&S has submitted has submitted three proposed designs to the City of Savannah. All were denied. Jamie Deen has cooperated in a similar matter, and seems truly interested in resolving the entrance issue for other businesses.
Inaccessible bathroom	Mr. Bs Restaurant	Neil	12/97	*COMPLETED: WAY TO GO, NEIL! Mr. B's owner contacted Mr. Raubach to inform him that the bathroom door has been widened. ADVOCATES ENJOY!*
Inaccessible vehicles	Grayline	Wayne	12/97	The DOJ investigation is nearing completion. DOJ has contacted Wayne to determine whether other complainants feel that service for disabled patrons is comparable. An accessible tour bus has been purchased and is operational. (Look for the green Grayline bus #779.) Also, an accessible red trolley has been placed in operation. Reportedly, there is an understanding between Chatham Area Transit (CAT) and Grayline for lease of CAT vehicles when Over-The-Road (OTR)vehicles are needed. However, the Executive Director of CAT is unaware of this agreement and has stated that CAT vehicles would not be available for out-of-town excursions. A copy of the settlement agreement should available through DOJ and will be posted here.
Inaccessible bathroom	Carey Hilliards	Bob/ Wayne	2/98	Dawson and Habas vs. Carey Hilliards has been settled. The partition in front of the restrooms has been removed. Terms of the settlement must be confidential, but a joint press release was issued. A copy will be posted on this site. One newspaper ran the story. Kudos to Connect Savannah and Luke Dittrich for a fine story. Quoting Tom Richardson of Carey Hilliard's, 'I'm just glad it's over.'
Inaccessible entrance	31 West Congress Street	Wayne	11/97	COMPLETED: Wayne spoke with Dick Mopper. The entrance ramp has been completed. Mr. Mopper plans to file for the tax credit, and later, to renovate an upstairs restroom to become accessible. Mr. Mopper is also President of the Downtown Business Association. He has been generally supportive of businesses attempting to comply with the ADA.
Lack of Accessible Parking	Ford's Plaza	Nick	8/98	Nick wrote a letter to the Property Manager of Ford's Plaza. He pointed out the need for accessible parking and the reason for providing it. Nick has noted that parking has been resolved. He further noted that the management of Ford's Plaza consulted the him for placement of a ramp and complied with his recommendation. The ramp has been installed and parking has been restriped. Thanks to Nick's consistent efforts, this issue has been resolved. WAY TO GO, NICK!
Inaccessible entrance	Sports Fans Bar	Bob	2/98	Sports Fans Bar was closed and has been reopened as Deja Groove. The owners are reportedly the owners of Malone's. A concrete ramp has been poured to allow access from the sidewalk to the wooden walk, and two loading ramps are placed at the door entrance. The ramps are steep, narrow, and questionably conform to the letter or spirit of the ADA.
Inaccessible entrance	Kevin Barry's	Wayne	2/98	Wayne and Attorney Chris Rouse met with Registered Agent Joseph Gannam at KB's on 11/2/99 to observe the entrance on site. KB's agreed in principle to construct an entrance ramp within a week of settlement. Wayne reviewed the plans. The City of Savannah has refused KB's request to install a ramp. Bob plans to pursue the ADA Mediation Program.
Inaccessible entrance	JJ Cagneys	Wayne	2/98	Wayne spoke with Jerry Zambito several times. Mr. Zambito expressed interest in installing a ramp in the rear of the building. Wayne followed up with Vince, Jerry's son. Vince has been checking into financing since late 1999. In 2002, Cagney's moved to an inaccessible watefront location.
Inaccessible Entrance	Hiphuggers	Willie	6/99	Willie wrote a letter to the owner of the establishment and received no response. Attorney Chris Rouse has written a letter of intent for legal action. Hiphuggers remodeled for approximately one month. While the interior of the establishment have not been examined, the renovation undoubtedly triggers the path-of-travel requirement as an alteration mandating that up to 80% of the cost of renovation should be directed towrd an accessible entrance. The 'Savannah One-Step' remains at the entrance.
Inaccessible Entrance	Juarez on Broughton	Wayne	2/99	Wayne provided tax information to management on two ocassions. Wayne sent a letter to the owner, Pedro Sarinana on 3/29/99. After no response, Wayne sent a followup letter. No response was received. Attorney Chris Rouse sent an intent to take legal action letter. Juarez retained Sara Lamar of Hunter, McLean, Exley & Dunn (HMED). HMED retained architect Scott Barnard to issue a litany of reasons a ramp to the entrance was not feasible. Additional defenses were resistance from the City of Savannah and Historic Review Commission. Both of these entities initially denied any resistance in personal conversations with Attorney Chris Rouse. An additional letter of intent to proceed with filing was sent. Ms. Lamar agreed to develop plans for an entrance ramp, and retained Architect Scott Barnard. Mr. Barnard developed numerous options, including installation of an electric lift to overcome a two-foot incline. The owners of the building have submitted several plans to the City, but were denied. They are planning to meet with the City Manager Michael Brown to discuss the impasse.
Inaccessible bathroom	Krispy Kreme	Neil	3/98	*COMPLETED: SUCCESS! Neil contacted Mr. Dagenhardt, and requested the wider bathroom doorway. Mr. Dagenhardt completed the modification. CONGRATULATIONS! Neil.*
Inaccessible bathroom.	Krystal 500 Abercorn	Neil	3/98	*Is in process. Neil will follow up. The Manager has informed Wayne the renovations are planned.*
Inaccessible elevators	Sears	Bob	3/98	*Bob wrote letter to Sears on 3/18/98. No response since then. Bob received an unsatisfactory response. Bob states that his request for lowered buttons was accomplished. WAY TO GO, BOB!*