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Accessibility

Morris County's Longest Trail Just Opened — And It's Stunning Morris County's Longest Trail Just Opened — And It's Stunning
Morris County's Longest Trail Just Opened — And It's Stunning After three decades of planning, a long-awaited 5.1-mile bike and pedestrian path has officially opened in North Jersey. The Pompton Valley Rail Trail — built on the former New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway line — was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 29, behind the Pequannock First Aid Squad. “This new trail provides a safe and scenic way to walk or bike to the train station — cutting down on car traffic and helping everyone breathe a little easier,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. The trail runs from River Drive in Pequannock to M…
Mystery Devices Spotted Over Schenectady Streets Spark Wild Theories: 'That's Big Brother' Mystery Devices Spotted Over Schenectady Streets Spark Wild Theories: 'That's Big Brother'
Mystery Devices Spotted Over Schenectady Streets Spark Wild Theories: 'That's Big Brother' Some curious new gadgets spotted at intersections in one Capital Region city have people talking. It all started when Rob Brown, an electrical consulting engineer from Albany, posted a photo in the "Straight Outta Schenectady (SOS)" Facebook group on Thursday, May 1, showing a sleek white pole with a curved, bell-like end sprouting from a traffic light post at Lafayette and Franklin Streets — right outside 151 Bar and Restaurant. “Any signal folks or other people who can identify these, that have started appearing at most traffic signals throughout the city and elsewhere?” Brown asked.…
New 'World-Class' LIRR Station Breaks Ground In Yaphank New 'World-Class' LIRR Station Breaks Ground In Yaphank
New 'World-Class' Lirr Station Breaks Ground In Yaphank Construction is underway on a new Long Island Rail Road station promising faster, more accessible travel. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new Yaphank LIRR station, located roughly three miles east of the current Yaphank platform, on Thursday, April 3. The new transit digs promise a “world-class, fully accessible experience,” ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said. It will be strategically closer to major thoroughfares such as William Floyd Parkway and the Long Island Expressway, as well as the key scientific hub, Brookhaven …
Flight Crew Demanded Toddler Be Removed From Ventilator, Says Phillipsburg Mom Now Going Viral Flight Crew Demanded Toddler Be Removed From Ventilator, Says Phillipsburg Mom Now Going Viral
Flight Crew Demanded Toddler Be Removed From Ventilator, Says Phillipsburg Mom Now Going Viral Melissa Sotomayor, a Phillipsburg resident, was flying United Airlines from Tampa to Newark on Saturday, March 8 with her 2-year-old son when she says the trouble began. Sotomayor documented her plight in a TikTok that has since gone viral, generating more than 1.2 million views. @missysoto0 @United Airlines Do better and be better! You tried to deny my child the right to fly HOME stating his vent and portable oxygen concentrator are a danger to my son and other passengers?! The captain of flight number UA1349 tried saying my son shouldn’t be allowed to fly because of his special need…
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Named Best In US, New Study Says: See The Full List Every year, some Northeast and mid-Atlantic cities really feel the luck of the Irish more than others. St. Patrick's Day traditions vary widely along the East Coast. Some cities are steeped in Irish tradition with huge parades, historic pubs, and thriving Irish communities, while others lack massive celebrations. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best Cities for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations on Wednesday, Mar. 12. The study ranked 200 US cities based on holiday traditions, Irish pubs per capita, affordability, safety, and even weather. WalletHub projects that Americans wi…
Best Golf Course In Bergen County In 2024: Paramus Golf Course Best Golf Course In Bergen County In 2024: Paramus Golf Course
Best Golf Course In Bergen County In 2024: Paramus Golf Course We are thrilled to announce that the Paramus Golf Course has been named Best Golf Course in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Nestled in the heart of Paramus, this course is known for its beautifully maintained fairways and greens, offering a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment—no matter your golfing experience—according to its website. One of the course's standout features, per the golf course's website, is its commitment to community and accessibility. Plus, the mini-golf facility is a hit with families, as noted on its website. The 2024 Daily Voic…
Best Movie Theater In Bergen County In 2024: AMC Garden State Plaza 16 Best Movie Theater In Bergen County In 2024: AMC Garden State Plaza 16
Best Movie Theater In Bergen County In 2024: AMC Garden State Plaza 16 We are thrilled to announce that AMC Garden State Plaza 16 has been named Best Movie Theater in Bergen County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! As stated on AMC Theatres' website, AMC Garden State Plaza 16 offers a high-quality movie-going experience with cutting-edge screen technology and reserved seating for added convenience. According to its website, the theater is equipped with IMAX and Laser at AMC, providing stunning picture clarity and immersive sound for an extraordinary viewing experience, along with accessibility features such as closed captioning and audio descrip…
Best Movie Theater In The Hudson Valley In 2024: AMC Palisades 21 Best Movie Theater In The Hudson Valley In 2024: AMC Palisades 21
Best Movie Theater In The Hudson Valley In 2024: AMC Palisades 21 We are thrilled to announce that AMC Palisades 21 has been named Best Movie Theater in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! As stated on AMC Theatres' website, AMC Palisades 21 offers a high-quality movie-going experience with luxurious seating and cutting-edge screen technology, allowing guests to relax in AMC Signature Recliners and benefit from reserved seating for added convenience. According to its website, the theater is equipped with IMAX and Laser at AMC, providing stunning picture clarity and immersive sound for an extraordinary viewing experience, alon…
Best Playground/Play Space In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Julie’s Jungle Best Playground/Play Space In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Julie’s Jungle
Best Playground/Play Space In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Julie’s Jungle We are thrilled to announce that Julie’s Jungle has been named Best Playground/Play Space in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to Julie’s Jungle's website, this playground stands as Dutchess County’s first fully inclusive play space, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy and explore together.  Covering an expansive 16,000 square feet, it is designed with accessible pathways, ramps, large decks, low-rise stairs, Braille-enhanced play panels, and a sensory garden to create an engaging experience for all visitors, per its website. …
New Barbie Dolls Honor Team USA Gymnasts, Famous Friends As Role Models To Empower Girls New Barbie Dolls Honor Team USA Gymnasts, Famous Friends As Role Models To Empower Girls
New Barbie Dolls Honor Team USA Gymnasts, Famous Friends As Role Models To Empower Girls An iconic doll is celebrating International Women's Month by honoring powerful female friendships with one-of-a-kind toys, aspiring to show young girls the importance of empowering each other. Barbie will recognize four dynamic duos with "role model" dolls made in their likeness, Mattel said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 4. The dolls' release ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8. The initiative spotlights the strength of female friendships and aims to inspire young girls to embrace supportive relationships. "One of the greatest tools that a girl can have i…
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Sunday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
Maryland Transit Administration Offering Free Rides On Election Day Maryland Transit Administration Offering Free Rides On Election Day
Maryland Transit Administration Offering Free Rides On Election Day The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is encouraging voters to "roll to the polls" with free rides on Election Day. For the first time in state history, the MTA will be offering free transit on its core services - bus, Metro subway, Light Rail, and Mobility - on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in an "effort to eliminate transportation barriers that may prevent voters from getting to the polls."  Free transit rides will be available on Maryland Transit Administration core service including Local Bus (CityLink, LocalLink and Express BusLink), Metro Subway, Light Rail …
'Divine' Show Shot In CT With Hollywood Legend Ready For Its Debut 'Divine' Show Shot In CT With Hollywood Legend Ready For Its Debut
'Divine' Show Shot In CT With Hollywood Legend Ready For Its Debut It's a show about spreading grace with a famous face and a familiar place. That's the pitch for the new season of "Divine Renovation, Destination: New England," a home renovation show filmed entirely in northwestern Connecticut. The first episode will premiere on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 5:30 a.m. on Fox 61 in Hartford and will air each Saturday for four more weeks.  The episodes are also currently streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Roku, among other platforms. The first season, filmed in North Carolina, can also be viewed on those streamers. Erik Estrada, of "CHiPs" fame, will host t…
Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened
Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened The New York State Thruway Authority announced the reopening of a newly renovated service area in Hudson Valley. The service area in Rockland County in Sloatsburg is on I-87 northbound between Exit 15A and Exit 16.  According to the State Thruway Authority, it is the 19th location overall to open and the first of four to undergo extensive renovations as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas. Featuring two floors and more than 31,000 square feet, the Sloatsburg Service Area is the largest of the 27 service areas on the NYS Thruway s…
Long-Vacant North Jersey Movie Theater Finally Getting Its Happily Ever-After Long-Vacant North Jersey Movie Theater Finally Getting Its Happily Ever-After
Long-Vacant North Jersey Movie Theater Finally Getting Its Happily Ever-After After several years of vacancy, a Montclair movie theater will soon be brought back to life. The Tudor-style Bellevue Theater in Upper Montclair has sat vacant since the prior operator's lease ended 2017, but at a meeting on Monday, June 10, redevelopment plans were unanimously approved. Bellevue Theater in Montclair. Google Maps The plans call for transitioning one of the four theaters into retail, there by connecting Upper Montclair Plaza to the retail of Bellevue, "a great win for all," said a spokesperson for RHG Architects + Design, who are working on the project. The…
Electric Scooters Now Available For Hudson Valley Shoppers Electric Scooters Now Available For Hudson Valley Shoppers
Electric Scooters Now Available For Hudson Valley Shoppers Shoppers in the Hudson Valley who hate walking the mall or need help getting around will soon be able to rent an electric scooter or "Scoozer."  Located in Rockland County at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, a four-story mall with 17 restaurants, a comedy club, and more, said the "Scoozer" program offers shoppers an innovative way to navigate the expansive center. Mall officials said Scoozer offers a fleet of two-seater electric scooters, enhancing accessibility and enabling guests to explore Palisades Center together. The scooters have two seats and cost $39 for a full shopping da…
Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home
Mortgage-Free Smart House Gifted To Injured New Jersey State Trooper Moving Back Home A New Jersey state trooper and Air Force veteran has a newly renovated accessible home, thanks to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  The Foundation even paid off the mortgage for Sgt. First Class Sean Acker’s new home in Howell. The renovation features a 1,000-square-foot addition with an ADA-compliant bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. The Foundation also removed the existing metal ramp and installed a permanent masonry ramp. In February 2022, Acker experienced a severe medical injury, enduring three weeks of fighting for his life in the critical care unit before living away from hom…
Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements
Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements A Metro-North station in Westchester has received a new elevator in addition to several other upgrades intended to improve access, parking, and amenities, officials announced.  In an announcement on Thursday, Jan. 11, MTA officials announced the opening of a second elevator at the Scarsdale Metro-North Train Station.  The new elevator is located in an enclosed tower that serves the Grand Central Station-bound platform.  Additionally, the overpass at the station was raised seven inches to give more vertical clearance for Metro-North trains. Other enhancements added to the sta…
Bergen County Man Hoping To Live On His Own Terms Bergen County Man Hoping To Live On His Own Terms
Bergen County Man Hoping To Live On His Own Terms A Bergen County man with special needs is hoping to get the funds he needs in order to live a more independent life. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for John Montuori, 31, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, a degenerative neuromuscular disorder. The progressive disease causes Montuori, who lives in Hillsdale, to use a wheelchair and his family provides 24-hour care for him. According to Lisa Lippman, who organized the GoFundMe, Montuori's disorder has made it difficult for him to earn a living, when all he wants to do is support himself.  "His dream is to be …
Brookfield Restaurant Forced To Allow Service Animals, Improve Accessibility After Complaints Brookfield Restaurant Forced To Allow Service Animals, Improve Accessibility After Complaints
Brookfield Restaurant Forced To Allow Service Animals, Improve Accessibility After Complaints A restaurant in Fairfield County will improve accessibility for disabled people and start allowing service animals after reaching a settlement with federal officials following complaints from a patron.  The owners of Down The Hatch, located in Brookfield at 292 Candlewood Lake Rd., have reached a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut to resolve allegations that the restaurant was out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, US Attorney Vanessa Avery announced on Monday, Feb. 13.  The settlement stemmed from an A…
Philipse Manor Hall In Yonkers Reopens After $20M Renovation Project Philipse Manor Hall In Yonkers Reopens After $20M Renovation Project
Philipse Manor Hall In Yonkers Reopens After $20M Renovation Project After a $20 million restoration effort, a National Historic Landmark in Westchester County has reopened to the public.  The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, located in Yonkers at 29 Warburton Ave., is now open following an extensive renovation of the building and grounds, as well as the addition of new exhibits, according to an announcement by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Nov. 16.  The improvement project consisted of architectural restorations, as well as the addition of accessibility features such as a new discreet rear addition that holds new bathr…
From The Garage To The Incubator: Engineers Have What It Takes To Be Entrepreneurs From The Garage To The Incubator: Engineers Have What It Takes To Be Entrepreneurs
From The Garage To The Incubator: Engineers Have What It Takes To Be Entrepreneurs The world is hungry for innovation. Existing systems and “ways in which things are done” have become stale, are inefficient, or non-inclusive of those who need the service. In short, they need fixing. Healthcare, the environment, housing, accessibility and many other areas of our lives would benefit from new ways to solve an old problem. Enter the engineer. Driven by an urge to “build a better mousetrap,” engineers should, and often do, see problems everywhere. They don’t take existing systems for granted. Instead, they see opportunities for improvement. Engineers, by definition, are entrep…
Bergen Sheriff, BCC Officials Debut Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Communication Card Bergen Sheriff, BCC Officials Debut Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Communication Card
Bergen Sheriff, BCC Officials Debut Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Communication Card A colorful new communication card aims to help officers at the Bergen County sheriff's substation at Bergen Community College and the deaf and hard of hearing understand one another better. The cards, which will be demonstrated during a simulated traffic stop at a kickoff event at the school on Friday, use words and pictures that “outline the expectations or needs of the individuals on either side of the conversation,” Sheriff Anthony Cureton said. They also “offer tips for law enforcement officers to consider when interacting with someone hard of hearing,” the sheriff said. The college’s …
Cause Of Death Determined For Stamford Woman Who Died In Subway Cause Of Death Determined For Stamford Woman Who Died In Subway
Cause Of Death Determined For Stamford Woman Who Died In Subway An autopsy has found that 22-year-old Stamford mother who fell down subway stairs in Manhattan while holding her baby, died from natural causes, according to the New York City Medical Examiner's Office. Malaysia Goodson fell down the stairs while carrying her 1-year-old daughter Rylee in a stroller on January 28, said the New York City Police. Police said Goodson was found unconscious next to a tipped-over stroller. Rylee was found unharmed. An autopsy found that the young mother suffered from cardiac arrhythmia, complicating hyperthyroidism, along with cardiac hypertrophy. The cause of …
Dutchess Awards $334K To These Four Municipalities For Sidewalk Improvements Dutchess Awards $334K To These Four Municipalities For Sidewalk Improvements
Dutchess Awards $334K To These Four Municipalities For Sidewalk Improvements Dutchess County has awarded a total of more than $334,000 to several different municipalities for a series of sidewalk improvements. The grants are awarded through Dutchess County’s 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The first round of improvements is intended to improve accessibility through sidewalk enhancements in Dutchess County. “In our cities, villages and hamlets, sidewalks connect residents to their neighbors, parks and the local businesses that define our communities,” said County Executive Molinaro. “We are investing in those connections by making our communit…
Developer, Builder Of Northern Westchester Condo Reaches Fair Housing Act Settlement Developer, Builder Of Northern Westchester Condo Reaches Fair Housing Act Settlement
Developer, Builder Of Northern Westchester Condo Reaches Fair Housing Act Settlement A Northern Westchester condominium complex will be retrofitted to improve accessibility for people with disabilities after settling a Fair Housing Act lawsuit. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman announced that the United States has reached a settlement with Bedford Development LLC, Carnegie Construction Corp., Jobco Inc., Robert Pasucci and Warshauer Mellusi Warshauer Architects, P.C. regarding accessibility concerns at the Sutton Manor condominium complex in Mount Kisco. Berman said that the settlement requires the parties to pay nearly $200,000 for retrofits at the condominium complex. Improve…
Local Organization Goes Above And Beyond For Single Passaic County Mom, Wheelchair-Bound Son Local Organization Goes Above And Beyond For Single Passaic County Mom, Wheelchair-Bound Son
Local Organization Goes Above And Beyond For Single Passaic County Mom, Wheelchair-Bound Son Life recently got much easier for a single Passaic County mom and her 10-year-old son with cerebral palsy, thanks to the help from a local organization. Tracy Kulick of Totowa has been mostly on her own in caring for her son Matthew, who is confined to a wheelchair. Both Matthew's father and Tracy's father both passed away, which made things even more difficult -- particularly around the house. Someone had started building a ramp for Tracy and Matthew, but abandoned the project halfway through.  Just before Thanksgiving, though, volunteers from Rebuilding Together North Jersey -- a Glen …
Westchester Developer Will Pay $175K To Settle Fair Housing Lawsuit Westchester Developer Will Pay $175K To Settle Fair Housing Lawsuit
Westchester Developer Will Pay $175K To Settle Fair Housing Lawsuit A prominent Westchester developer has reached a $175,000 settlement with federal officials for violating the Fair Housing Act by failing to make a pair of Rockland County developments not properly accessible to people with disabilities. Geoffrey Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Friday that Valhalla-based Ginsburg Development Companies reached the settlement from a 2016 lawsuit alleging that two developments in Haverstraw, with several hundred units, were inaccessible. As part of the agreement, Berman said that Ginsburg has agreed to make…
New Canaan Moms Lead Push For New Playground At Mead Park New Canaan Moms Lead Push For New Playground At Mead Park
New Canaan Moms Lead Push For New Playground At Mead Park When a park’s playground is rusting and sporting patched pieces of equipment or decking, it’s time to replace it. While the Town of New Canaan has put some funding in its budget to replace the aging play structure at Mead Memorial Park, it’s not enough. Long the site of tennis and baseball, Mead Park with its restaurant and playground also provides a place for families and kids of all ages to gather. These include Monica Chimera and Allyson Mahoney, New Canaan moms of young children. “We love Mead Park because of its location,” said Mahoney. “It is close to downtown and the train station.…
Dutchess County Launches New Website Dutchess County Launches New Website
Dutchess County Launches New Website Residents with special needs now have a new way to connect to services and special events through the county's new “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” website, thinkdifferently.net. The new site connects families to resources, information and community events to enhance the lives of individuals of every ability.  “Our new ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ website will aid residents with special needs and their families connect to services, resources, and others," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. "Whether that means finding educational opportunities, connecting to services and programs to improve the…