Carol Frye asked the management of her complex for permission to install a ramp and roll-in shower at her own expense. “Your requests are denied” said the letter from Keystone. The management company said neither of the requests was possible. By February 2004 Carol Frye had not been outside of her home in two months. Both entrances to her apartment have steps and Ms. Frye was no longer able to walk up and down them or step into the only shower in her unit.
FHC staff quickly showed the company that, not only were the modifications possible, but the Parkway Meadows was obligated to pay for the work. Our research found that the federally-funded apartment complex had close to a $1,000,000 in reserve for renovations, including accommodations like those requested by Carol Frye. FHC friend and architect David Esau provided plans for both a ramp and a roll-in shower. Instead of the accommodation, Ms. Frye received a bill for painting and maintenance work done five months before.
FHC referred Carol to FHC Cooperating Attorney J. Mark Finnegan of Heberle & Finnegan who filed suit on her behalf. Now Carol has the ramp, a new roll-in shower, a $50,000 settlement, and freedom to come and go from her home. The case was assigned to Judge John Feikens of the US District Federal Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.