In a compelling legal battle, a New York resident has taken action against a local business and its owner for alleged violations of disability rights laws. Altaune Brown filed a complaint on November 17, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against 363 First Avenue Cleaners LLC and Watson Chunglum Yip. The lawsuit seeks to address significant accessibility barriers that Brown claims prevent him from accessing the services of the laundromat and tailor shop.
The plaintiff, Altaune Brown, who is paraplegic and relies on a wheelchair for mobility, alleges that he was unable to enter the premises of 363 First Avenue Cleaners due to physical barriers such as steps at the entrance. According to the complaint, these barriers have denied him “full and equal access” to the establishment’s services, which include laundry and tailoring. Brown recounts an incident on February 7, 2025, when he attempted to visit the cleaners located less than two miles from his home but was unable to gain entry due to these obstacles. Despite efforts to seek assistance while outside in cold weather, no one responded to his requests for help.
Brown’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating several laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities. These include Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals in public spaces; the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL); and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL). The complaint highlights specific ADA violations such as lack of accessible routes from public sidewalks, non-compliant service counters exceeding allowable height limits, inaccessible cleaning machines, inadequate signage, and unsafe emergency egress routes.
The plaintiff is seeking multiple forms of relief from the court. He demands declaratory judgment acknowledging that the defendants are in violation of ADA standards along with NYCHRL and NYSHRL provisions. Furthermore, Brown requests permanent injunctive relief requiring immediate alterations to make the premises accessible according to legal standards. He also seeks compensatory damages for discrimination suffered due to these accessibility issues and coverage for attorney fees and associated costs.
Representing Altaune Brown is Bradly G. Marks from The Marks Law Firm PC based in New York City. The case is being presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under Case ID: 1:25-cv-09587.
Source: 125cv09587_Altaune_Brown_v_363_FIRST_Avenuer_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
