Builders and Homeowners could get tax incentives to make homes and apartments more accessible to people with mobility issues. The so-called “Visit-ability” measure passed both houses of the legislature…and awaits the governor’s signature.
ARISE Advocacy Manager Beata Karpinska-Prehn says it’s not just about moving around the house.
“It will make it possible for thousands of New Yorkers to go to work, make their homes the way they want them to be made with accessibility features in them. Home access is so critical in making sure people can be productive members of the community and be able to age in place. Also access modifications help people stay in the community as long as possible and not be institutionalized.”
The measure passed both the state senate and assembly… and is awaiting Governor Cuomo’s signature. Senator John DeFrancisco is asking people to send letters to the Governor in support. He explains builders of homeowners can get a tax credit up to 27-hundred dollars for new construction or renovations that improve accessibility.
“People with mobility issues know not only they can access their homes, but others will have the ability to do as well, so you can live a full life, as opposed to not allowing some people to visit you because they can’t use the existing entrances and exits.”
In addition to ramps and other step-free doorways, things such as accessible appliances, wider internal passage ways, and safety features for handicapped access to bathrooms could be covered.
DeFrancisco expects the legislation to be sent to he governor this week for his consideration. The bill comes up the same moth the Americans with Disabilities Act – known as the A-D-A – turns 25 years old.
