A New York resident has filed a lawsuit against a financial services company, alleging discrimination due to disability. Altaune Brown, the plaintiff, initiated the complaint on November 4, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against NY Community Financial, LLC, doing business as CFSC. The lawsuit accuses CFSC of failing to provide accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities at their premises located at 99 Avenue C, New York.
The complaint outlines several instances where Brown, who is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair for mobility, faced significant barriers when attempting to access CFSC’s services. On September 29, 2025, Brown tried to enter the financial service center but was impeded by two steps at the entrance. Despite eventually receiving assistance from passersby to enter and exit the premises, Brown was subjected to humiliation when an employee allegedly laughed and refused to help him leave. The lawsuit argues that these actions violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with New York State and City Human Rights Laws.
Brown claims that CFSC’s premises lack necessary accommodations such as ramps or accessible service counters and fails to adhere to ADA guidelines that require commercial establishments to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. He further alleges that these architectural barriers prevent not only his access but also restrict paths of travel within the premises. Consequently, Brown has been unable to independently utilize CFSC’s services like check cashing without relying on others for physical assistance.
In seeking relief from the court, Brown requests both injunctive and declaratory relief mandating CFSC to make its facilities ADA-compliant. Additionally, he seeks compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination he faced due to his disability. The complaint also calls for punitive damages based on what it describes as willful non-compliance by CFSC over many years.
Representing Altaune Brown is attorney Bradly G. Marks from The Marks Law Firm PC. The case is presided over by judges in the Southern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-9207.
Source: 125cv09207_Altaune_Brown_v_NY_Community_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
