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FINAL CONSENT DECREE ![]() [Link opens in a new window] This document is also available in Adobe PDF format (You need to download the Adobe Reader to view this document in PDF format)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
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Disabled in Action of Metropolitan :
New York, Inc., Marty Sesmer, Jean
Ryan, Susan Parker, David Dopico, : Case No. 01 Civ. 4692 (WHP)
Sandra Cobb, Marilyn Saviola,
Antoinette Williams, Mark Shaw- : CONSENT DECREE AND
Lawrence, Daniel Robert, and SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Nadina Laspina, :
Plaintiffs,
:
-against-
:
Duane Reade, Inc.,
:
Defendant.
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This Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement is entered into as of _________, 2006 (the WHEREAS, Duane Reade owns and operates approximately two hundred and fifty (250) retail drugstores doing business on leased premises throughout, among other places, New York City; and WHEREAS, Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York, Inc. ( WHEREAS, MARTY SESMER is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses an electric wheelchair as his sole means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, SUSAN PARKER is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses a wheelchair as her primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, JEAN RYAN is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses a wheelchair as her primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, DAVID DOPICO is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses an electric wheelchair as his primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, SANDRA COBB is a resident of New York City who uses a cane to gain mobility; and WHEREAS, MARILYN SAVIOLA is a resident of New York City who uses a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses a wheelchair as her primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, ANTOINETTE WILLIAMS is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses an electric wheelchair as her primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, MARK SHAW-LAWRENCE is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses an electric wheelchair as his primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, DANIEL ROBERT is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses an electric wheelchair as his primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, NADINA LASPINA is a resident of New York City who requires a wheelchair to gain mobility and uses a wheelchair as her primary means of locomotion; and WHEREAS, on May 31, 2001, Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Duane Reade in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Docket No. 01 Civ. 4692 ( WHEREAS, on July 18, 2001, Duane Reade filed an Answer denying any liability for any violation of Title III of the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Action and the New York City Human Rights Law; and WHEREAS, as a result of negotiations between the parties, the Parties have agreed to resolve several of the issues raised in the Action; and WHEREAS, neither the negotiation nor the execution of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement by either party is an admission of liability on any issue. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, as well as good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows: The Parties agree that this Court has jurisdiction over the Parties and subject matter of these actions. The Parties agree that the controversy should be resolved without further proceedings, except as specified below regarding the
It is therefore ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED: JURISDICTION AND VENUE This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1343(3), 42 U.S.C. § 12188(a)(1), and 28 U.S.C. § 1367. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391.
For the purpose of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, the following terms have the meanings ascribed as follows: 1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
2.1 The obligations set forth in this Section 2 shall apply to all Duane Reade Stores in the five boroughs of New York City, including the Exemplar Stores, Non-Exemplar Stores, and New Stores. Duane Reade’s timetable for implementing the obligations set forth in Section 2 are set forth in Sections 3 and 4; provided, however, that nothing in this sentence shall operate to terminate the obligations set forth in Section 2 once they attach.
2.2.1 Duane Reade agrees to (1) post and maintain a decal on the accessible entrance of all its stores indicating that it is an accessible entrance; and (2) post and maintain a sign on any inaccessible public use entrance of any of its stores directing customers to the location of an accessible entrance. The decals will be adhesively attached to the door in a manner similar to Duane Reade's 2.2.2 Duane Reade also agrees to post and maintain internal signs that explain the availability of services to people with mobility impairments. These signs shall be posted and maintained in locations such as overhead or on vertical surfaces near entrances, where they will be readily visible to customers as they enter the stores, and near any and all areas that have limited access. Text on all internal signs shall meet the requirements of ADASAD.
2.3.1 Duane Reade shall assess any and all entrances to its stores to determine (a) whether there are any impediments to access; and if so, (b) whether the removal of any and all impediments (such as stairs) is Readily Achievable; and (c) whether the removal of the impediments is required by 28 C.F.R. Part 36, Subpart D. If the criteria in (a) and (b) or (c) are met, Duane Reade will modify the entrance by constructing or modifying a ramp, installing a lift that can be customer operated, or taking other actions to reconstruct the entrance to make the entrance accessible. If the criteria in (a) and (b) or (c) are not met, or if Duane Reade is prohibited from altering the entrance to the store because of New York City rules or regulations, then Duane Reade will comply with Section 2.9 2.3.2 To the extent New York City rules and regulations prohibit Duane Reade from altering the entrance to a store, Duane Reade agrees to notify the appropriate City Agencies promptly, in writing, of the problems with the entrance and request that it be permitted to modify the entrance, if the criteria of this Section are met. The Parties agree that Duane Reade is not required to commence litigation against New York City if it refuses permission to alter the entrance. Duane Reade will provide Plaintiffs with copies of such correspondence upon request.
2.4 SIDEWALKS AT ENTRANCES TO STORES 2.4.1 To the extent New York City is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalks outside of any Duane Reade store, Duane Reade agrees to notify, in writing, the appropriate New York City agencies, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, and to identify any defect(s) to the sidewalks that impede access to the Duane Reade store and request that it be corrected. The Parties agree that Duane Reade is not required to commence litigation against New York City if any such defect is not corrected by New York City, but will provide Plaintiffs with copies of all correspondence between New York City and Duane Reade. 2.4.2 To the extent the landlord of the building in which a Duane Reade store is located is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalks outside of a Duane Reade store, Duane Reade agrees to notify, in writing, the landlord and identify any defect(s) to the sidewalks that impede access to the Duane Reade store and request that it be corrected. The Parties agree that Duane Reade is not required to commence litigation against any landlord if any such defect is not corrected by the landlord, but will provide Plaintiffs with copies of all correspondence between any such landlords and Duane Reade upon request. 2.4.3 To the extent Duane Reade is responsible for the design and construction of sidewalks outside of any Duane Reade store, Duane Reade agrees to use reasonable efforts taking into account local building codes and regulations to ensure that (1) the slope of any such sidewalk is not more than 1:20 as a ratio of run to rise, with a maximum cross slope of 1:48 as a ratio of run to rise; and (2) such sidewalk has a firm, stable, and non-slip surface.
2.5 ENTRY/EXIT DOORS AND DOORWAYS 2.5.1.1 Duane Reade agrees to check all interior and exterior doors and readjust the closers annually. Duane Reade agrees to maintain interior doors so that they do not require greater than a 5.0 lbs push/pull force. Duane Reade agrees to maintain exterior doors in accordance with the New York City Building Code for all stores within New York City limits. Until the expiration date of the Settlement Agreement as set forth in Section 10.8, Duane Reade agrees to maintain maintenance records for all repairs required under this Section. 2.5.1.2 Where push/pull pressure on doors is not in compliance with this Section, and to the extent Duane Reade is responsible for the maintenance and repair of such doors, Duane Reade agrees to take one or more of the following steps, as appropriate to the particular store to achieve compliance with Accessibility Laws: (1) replace door closers as needed to meet door pressure requirements; (2) install automatic doors with controls; (3) replace and/or repair metal thresholds; (4) repair the door; or (5) implement other alternatives to provide access. Duane Reade agrees that it will make a good faith effort to find a physical solution to correct any doors not in compliance with this Section. In the event that physical modification is not required under the provisions of the Accessibility Laws, Duane Reade will post signage directing customers to an accessible entrance. 2.5.1.3 Where push/pull pressure on doors is not in compliance with this Section, and to the extent Duane Reade is not responsible for the maintenance and repair of such doors, Duane Reade agrees to: (1) write to the party who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of such doors asking them to adjust the door pressure to comply with this Section; and (2) where appropriate, notify the landlord to allow use of and/or modification to alternate accessible entrances. The Parties agree that Duane Reade is not required to commence litigation against any landlord in connection with this Section.
2.5.2 Door Maneuvering Space Requirements 2.5.2.1 Duane Reade agrees that the door maneuvering clearances of its doors and doorways shall comply with Figure 25 of ADASAD. To the extent such clearances do not comply, Duane Reade shall correct such clearances by removing doors and/or changing the swing of the door. Duane Reade agrees to remove or relocate items placed near such doors to provide at least a thirty-six (36) inch wide pathway, or at least a thirty-two (32) inch wide pathway if the length of the narrowed portion of the pathway is no more than twenty-four (24) inches, or to implement other alterations as necessary to comply with ADASAD. 2.5.2.2 Duane Reade shall correct any and all conditions with respect to the accessibility of entrance door vestibules that are not in compliance with ADASAD. As appropriate to the particular circumstance, Duane Reade shall use one of the following methods: (1) remove the internal door; (2) lengthen the vestibule so that the minimum space between two doors is at least forty-eight (48) inches plus the width of any door swinging into the space between any two doors; (3) remove the dividing wall between the 2.5.2.3 Duane Reade will check entrance doors annually to ensure compliance with this Section. Duane Reade will promptly inspect any entrance doors in response to any customer complaint.
2.6.1 The parties agree that customers who use wheelchairs may not be able to reach shelved merchandise that is more than twenty-four (24) inches from an accessible aisle (i.e., an aisle that is at least thirty-six (36) inches wide or at least thirty-two (32) inches wide for a distance of not more than twenty-four (24) inches that leads to an accessible store entry). 2.6.2 In stores where pillars and/or shelving may interfere with accessibility, Duane Reade will explore means by which it can provide physical access to those areas. Duane Reade shall make the modifications and/or alterations necessary pursuant to the Accessibility Laws to provide physical access. In the event that physical access is not required pursuant to the Accessibility Laws, then the Parties agree that it is acceptable for Duane Reade to post signage compliant with Section 2.2 2.6.3 To the extent that an aisle has a pillar that narrows an aisle to thirty-two (32) inches wide for distances more than twenty-four (24) inches, such narrowed aisle will be treated like a Dead End if it meets the terms and conditions specified in Section 2.7
2.7.1 For all aisles in Duane Reade stores that are twenty (20) feet long or more and for which there is only one way to enter and exit (
2.8.1 To the extent any New Store has multiple floors open to the public and one or more of the floors is not accessible by means of any elevator, lift, or ramp, to the extent it is structurally possible, Duane Reade agrees to install an elevator, ramp or lift that complies with the Accessibility Laws in order to provide access to those levels.
2.9.1 For each of its stores where stairs or escalators lead to a store's pharmacy and no elevator access is provided ( 2.9.2 For Duane Reade stores that have an accessible entrance that is locked and/or not open during hours in which a store is open for business, Duane Reade agrees to install the Big Bell communication system to permit customers to alert Duane Reade personnel in the store that a customer requires the accessible entrance to be unlocked and/or opened. A sign shall be posted near the Duane Reade employee station or stations that receive the customer request with instructions to assist the customer in entering the store through an accessible entrance. 2.9.3 The Parties agree to evaluate the effectiveness of the Big Bell communication system twelve months after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. Within three months after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade will provide the Plaintiffs with a list of all stores at which the primary entrance is inaccessible and the accessible entrance is locked. Duane Reade agrees that the Plaintiffs may make unscheduled tests by going to these stores, using the Big Bell, and recording the response time. The Parties will then meet within thirty days of the conclusion of the first twelve month period to confer on the effectiveness of the Big Bell communication system and to evaluate alternatives, taking into account Plaintiffs’ findings regarding response times, the availability of alternative two-way communications systems that meet accessibility specifications, and the cost and technical feasibility of any such alternative systems. 2.9.4 Duane Reade agrees it will use its best efforts to enable access to its stores through existing alternative accessible doors, and will provide notice as provided in section 2.2 2.9.5 Duane Reade will designate the employees responsible in each store for fulfilling Duane Reade's obligations set forth in this Section.
2.10.1 For its current stores, Duane Reade agrees to have at least one check out station at customer service counters that is no more than thirty-six (36) inches high, with a one (1) inch tolerance (the 2.10.2 Duane Reade also agrees to install credit and debit card swipe machines at the Accessible Counter that have cables to enable such swipe machines to be moved at least two feet out from the outside edge of the consumer side of the customer service counter and at least one foot down from such edge, or otherwise in a manner to permit customers who use wheelchairs to be able to use the credit and debit card swipe machines from their lap or for those that are mounted at the outside edge of the counter, within an accessible reach range according to Sections 4.2.5 or 4.2.6 of ADASAD. 2.10.3 Racks below Accessible Counters, as defined in 2.10.1, including candy and gum racks, shall not protrude beyond the edge of the Accessible Counter, except that where appropriate, items will be removed from the top shelf so that the shelf can be used as an Accessible Counter. 2.10.4 Duane Reade agrees that for all stores opened after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, all customer service counters in such stores shall be no more than thirty-six (36) inches high, with a tolerance of one half (1/2) inch.
2.11.1. Duane Reade agrees to move obstructions or relocate any Drop Boxes in its stores to provide an accessible pathway that is at least thirty-six (36) inches wide or at least thirty-two (32) inches wide for a distance of no more than twenty-four (24) inches from an accessible entry to the Drop Box. If there is more than one Drop Box in the store, only one Drop Box needs to be accessible and Duane Reade will provide signage at any inaccessible drop boxes indicating the location of the accessible Drop Box.
2.12 AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES 2.12.1 Duane Reade agrees to remove obstructions to or relocate at least one Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") in its stores to provide at least a thirty-six (36) inch wide pathway, or at least a thirty-two (32) inch wide pathway if the length of the narrowed portion of the pathway is no more than twenty-four (24) inches wide from an accessible entry to at least one ATM. Duane Reade will provide signage indicating the accessible ATM. Nothing in this Section or this Agreement requires Duane Reade to install or maintain any ATM in any of its stores.
2.13 FIRE SAFETY/ASSISTANCE RESCUE AREA 2.13.1 Duane Reade will comply with the Accessibility Laws in all stores.
2.14.1 For each Duane Reade store that has a stairway and does not have an elevator, lift or ramp, the handrail extensions on the staircase shall extend at least twelve (12) inches beyond the top riser and at least twelve 12 inches plus the width of one tread beyond the bottom riser where such extension does not create a hazard to customers. At the top of any such stairway, Duane Reade agrees that the extension of the handrail will be parallel with the floor or ground surface. At the bottom of any such stairway, Duane Reade agrees that the handrail shall continue to slope for a distance of the width of one tread from the bottom riser of such stairway, but that the remainder of the extension of the handrail shall be horizontal. 2.14.2 In each Duane Reade store with a stairway that does not have an elevator, ramp or lift, Duane Reade will install handrails on both sides of each stairway. 2.14.3 Duane Reade agrees to use its best efforts to make the nosing of the stairways in Duane Reade stores that do not have an elevator, ramp or lift, compliant with Section 4.9.3 of ADASAD. 2.14.4 Duane Reade agrees to remove all Displays from all stair runs in its stores that do not have an elevator, ramp or lift, subject to compliance with applicable fire code regulations. Intermediate landings may contain Displays, so long as they maintain an accessible route of passage. 2.14.5 Duane Reade also agrees to make each step of each stairway have a maximum rise of seven (7) inches in New Stores in compliance with the Accessibility Laws.
2.15.1 Duane Reade agrees that for each Duane Reade store that has a ramp, it will install handrails on both sides of each ramp that comply with Section 4.8.5 of ADASAD. 2.15.2 In each Duane Reade store that has a ramp that is located outside of the store, Duane Reade will install edge protection to such ramp that is between two (2) inches and four (4) inches above the ramp surface if there is a drop-off within twelve (12) inches of the inward surface of the handrail. Such edge protection may take the form of curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from falling, slipping or rolling off the ramp.
2.16.1 Duane Reade agrees to remove any obstructions to emergency exit doors on accessible levels in Duane Reade stores to ensure that all routes to any emergency exit are at least thirty-six (36) inches wide, or at least thirty-two (32) inches wide if the length of such route is less than twenty-four (24) inches and ensure that the doors are otherwise compliant with the Accessibility Laws. 2.16.2 Duane Reade agrees to install emergency exit signs centered sixty (60) inches from the floor at each emergency exit door.
2.17.1 Duane Reade agrees to place and maintain the location of displays so that they will not narrow aisles to less than thirty-six (36) inches in width, measured at the narrowest point of passage between the display and the opposite side of the aisle.
2.18.1 The Parties’ obligations with respect to stock are described in the Court’s Order of October 28, 2005.
3.1 Duane Reade agrees that its obligations set forth in Section 2 of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement as to the Exemplar Stores will be completed within six (6) months of the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. Duane Reade shall promptly submit written confirmation to the Plaintiffs that such obligations have been completed. 3.2 Duane Reade agrees to make the following specific modifications within each of the Exemplar Stores, listed below.
4.1 Duane Reade agrees to retain John P.S. Salmen, AIA, as its Disability Consultant for purposes of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. If Duane Reade terminates its relationship with Mr. Salmen during the term of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade shall provide prompt written notice of such termination to the Plaintiffs and retain another Disability Consultant for the remaining term of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. 4.2 Within forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade will submit to the Plaintiffs a copy of the survey Duane Reade will use to survey Non-Exemplar Stores ( 4.3 Upon receipt of the draft Duane Reade Survey, the Plaintiffs in consultation with their Expert, shall have thirty (30) days to review the draft and to propose to Duane Reade any changes to the draft; provided, however, that Duane Reade shall not be obligated to accept or implement such changes. Plaintiffs may request the involvement of the Neutral (as described in Section 9 hereof) only to determine whether the survey complies with Section 4.2. 4.4 Duane Reade agrees to survey all of its Non-Exemplar Stores within twelve (12) months of the finalization of the Duane Reade Survey format. 4.5 Duane Reade will submit to Plaintiffs within thirty (30) days after Duane Reade completes its survey of the Non-Exemplar Stores a written report detailing the results of the survey, including the underlying data. 4.6 Based upon the results of the survey, Duane Reade will make the appropriate modifications and/or alterations to the Non-Exemplar Stores pursuant to the terms of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement and the ADASAD within twelve (12) months after Duane Reade provides the survey results to the Plaintiffs. 4.7 After Duane Reade completes the modifications and/or alterations to the Duane Reade Stores identified in the survey, Duane Reade agrees to provide a report to Plaintiffs setting forth the modifications and/or alterations to the Duane Reade Stores. To the extent that Duane Reade provided signage and/or assistance in lieu of modifications and/or alterations, Duane Reade will provide a brief explanation for providing signage and/or assistance, such as 4.8 Duane Reade agrees to retain the originals of the Duane Reade Surveys for each Non-Exemplar Store for three (3) years after the expiration date of the Settlement Agreement.
5.1 Duane Reade agrees that in selecting and operating New Stores, Duane Reade will comply with the Accessibility Laws.
6.1 Within six months (6) after the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade agrees to develop written policies for ensuring that all Duane Reade stores are in compliance with the Accessibility Laws and with this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement and to provide copies of such policies to the Plaintiffs. The written policies will cover the Core Concepts for Training listed at 6.3. 6.2 Duane Reade agrees to provide training to all of its employees on the substance and application of the Accessibility Laws, including the Core Concepts for Training listed at 6.3, on an annual basis, as well as to train all new employees on an ongoing basis on the substance and application of the Accessibility Laws, including the Core Concepts for Training listed at 6.3. 6.3 Core Concepts for Training: Training materials will inform all Duane Reade employees of Duane Reade’s obligations to provide access to its stores to people with disabilities under the Accessibility Laws and of the role that each specific type of employee plays in helping Duane Reade meet those obligations. At a minimum, Duane Reade’s training materials will cover the following Core Concepts, without regard to the specific wording set out below:
7.1 Upon execution of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade agrees to pay Plaintiffs a sum of $175,000 in costs and expense, to be made payable to Ropes & Gray, LLP. Duane Reade shall satisfy the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement by delivering to Ropes & Gray, LLP a certified check in the amount stated above within ten (10) days of the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement.
8.1 For the duration of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade agrees to provide the Plaintiffs with reports of the progress toward compliance with the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement (the 8.2 Duane Reade agrees to retain the data collected for the Interim Reports in their original form for three years after the expiration date of the Settlement Agreement. If the Plaintiffs request access to such data, Duane Reade agrees to provide complete copies of the requested data within twenty-one (21) days.
9.1 This Court shall retain jurisdiction over this action, and the parties agree thereto, for the purpose of ensuring compliance and enforcing the provisions of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement for fifteen (15) months from the 9.2 It is the intent of the parties that all matters be resolved at the earliest stage possible in the process set forth in this Section 9 Enforcement. The Parties further agree that throughout the process set forth in this Section 9 Enforcement, they will attempt to resolve matters in good faith.
9.3.1 Within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, each party shall identify to the other party three (3) candidates to serve as a 9.3.2 The three (3) candidates will each serve in the role of Neutral individually, not as a panel, as is further defined below, with the following repeated sequence: the Plaintiffs' candidate serving first, Duane Reade's candidate serving next, and the jointly selected candidate serving next.
9.4.1 The role of the Neutral is to issue a binding decision to the Parties regarding the legal and factual issues related to the matter. Duane Reade agrees to pay only the costs and the expenses of the Neutral, regardless of which party requests the Neutral’s assistance. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees in presenting a matter to the Neutral and/or to The Court under Section 9 Enforcement. 9.4.2 In the event that a claim arises as to whether a Party is in compliance with the terms of the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, the Parties shall make a good faith effort to resolve the claim. The party asserting that the other party is in violation of the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement shall define the claim(s) to be discussed and notify the other party in writing of the claim including an explanation of why the party is allegedly not in compliance with the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. Unless the claim(s) is (are) otherwise resolved, the Parties (and such experts or other individuals as the Parties deem appropriate) will then meet within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the notice to attempt to resolve the claim(s). If the claim(s) is (are) resolved among the Parties before such meeting, the Parties shall commit such resolution to writing, and such resolution shall be completed as agreed. 9.4.3 If after such meeting, the claim(s) or any portion of the claim(s) have not been resolved, either party may, upon thirty (30) days written notice, refer the claim(s) to the Neutral who is to decide the next matter for resolution as described below. If after such meeting, the claim(s) has (have) been resolved, the resolution shall be committed to writing and shall be implemented and completed as agreed. 9.4.4 Upon thirty (30) days written notice, a party may request the involvement of the Neutral who is to decide the next matter by submitting a letter to the Neutral, with a copy to the other party, explaining the party's position that the other party has violated the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. The other party will have ten (10) days to provide a written response to the requesting party's letter to the Neutral, with a copy to the other party. The Neutral and either party may request a conference with the Parties and the Neutral during which the Neutral may consider any materials that may assist the Neutral in reaching a decision about the matter(s). 9.4.5 Within thirty (30) days after receiving the party's written response to the requesting party's letter, or after the meeting among the Neutral and the parties, whichever is later, the Neutral shall serve on both parties a written opinion that decides the matter(s) and provides an explanation for that decision (the 9.4.6 If the Neutral determines that there has been a violation or violations of the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, the Neutral's Decision shall include a remedy and a timeframe within which such remedy must be implemented and completed. Such timeframe shall be reasonable, based on the nature of the remedy. Following the passage of the time specified by the Neutral for the remedy to be implemented and completed, either party may apply to the Court to convert the Award into a judgment. 9.4.7 A party may appeal a Neutral’s Decision to the Court if the party believes in good faith that the matter is substantial. The Court may modify or reverse the Neutral’s Decision only if the Court determines that the Decision is clearly erroneous. The Parties consent to the jurisdiction of the Court for these purposes. 9.4.8 The parties acknowledge that once a claim is resolved at any level of the process, the Parties are precluded from raising the same claim at any subsequent time. 9.4.9 The parties agree that a Decision of the Neutral is admissible but not controlling in any subsequent proceeding. 9.4.10 Failure by either party to enforce the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement or any provision hereof with regard to any deadline or any other provision herein shall not be construed as a waiver of its right to do so. Similarly, any failure by either party to enforce any provision hereof shall not waive its rights with regard to any other deadlines and provisions of this Agreement.
10.1 Integration Clause. This Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, including the Exhibits hereto, which are made a part hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties on the matters set forth herein, and the Parties expressly agree that it supersedes and controls any and all prior communications, correspondence, memoranda of understanding, memorialization of agreement, or prior agreement between the Parties or their representatives relative to the matters contained herein. Except as explicitly set forth in this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, there are no representations, warranties, or inducements, whether oral, written, expressed, or implied, that in any way affect or condition the validity of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement or alter its terms. This Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement is a compromise and settlement of disputed issues and is a product of arms-length negotiation and the drafting of both parties. Ambiguities in this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement are not to be construed by operation of law against any party.
10.2 Modification. This Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement may be modified only by a writing signed by the Parties. Where any party requires a modification due to unforeseen circumstances (including changes in the law or regulations), the other party agrees that consent will not be unreasonably withheld. If the Parties are unable to resolve any such issue, the dispute mechanism specified in Section 9 Enforcement of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement shall govern.
10.3 Severability. The failure or invalidation of any particular provision or portion of a provision shall not in any way affect the validity of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement or any remaining provision or portion of a provision, which shall continue to have full force and effect, unless their enforcement would substantially impair the purpose of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. Either party may seek guidance from The Court as to whether any such failure or invalidation would substantially impair the purpose of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement.
10.4 Successors. All terms of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement shall be binding on, and inure to the benefit of the successors of any party.
10.5 Counterparts. This Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement may be executed by the Parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument, and any of the parties hereto may execute the Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement by signing any such counterpart.
10.6 Section Titles and Other Headings. Section titles, numbers, and other headings contained in this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement are included only for ease of reference and shall have no substantive effect upon the terms of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement.
10.7 Power and Authority. The Parties represent that they have the power and authority to execute this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement and to perform the obligations hereunder, and that each person executing this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement on each Party's behalf has been authorized to sign on behalf of the respective Party and to bind each to the terms of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement.
10.8 Upon Duane Reade’s completion of its obligations under this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement, Duane Reade may provide to Plaintiffs a written report specifying the completion of its obligations under this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement. Plaintiffs will have thirty (30) days to make any objections. If there are no objections, the Parties agree that the Settlement Agreement will terminate and Plaintiffs will execute a General Release, releasing Duane Reade from any actions, charges, causes of actions, suits and other obligations upon any claims Plaintiffs may have or have had against Duane Reade arising out of the occurrences that are the subject matter of the Action and arising on or before the date of Plaintiffs’ execution of the General Release, including all claims asserted in the Action. Should Plaintiffs raise objections, these shall be resolved in accordance with the process described in Section 9 herein.
11.1 All notices, demands, or other communications to be provided pursuant to this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement shall be in writing and sent by regular mail, postage prepaid (or by any other delivery service of equal or more expeditious means) to the following persons and addresses (or such other persons and addresses as any party may designate in writing from time to time after the execution of this Consent Decree and Settlement Agreement): 11.2 For Disabled in Action, Inc. and Marty Sesmer, Susan Parker, Jean Ryan, David Dopico, Sandra Cobb, Marilyn Saviola, Antoinette Williams, Mark Shaw-Lawrence, Daniel Robert and Nadina LaSpina: Gavin Kearney, Esq. 11.3 For Duane Reade, Inc.: Michelle D. Bergman, Esq.
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