Couple gets answers about handicap ramp

NAUGATUCK, Conn. (WTNH) -- A couple says the landlord won't allow a handicap ramp because he feels it would damage the property even though the contractor says it won't, but are finally getting some answers.

There are many people on a mission to get this ramp in place. News 8 told you, the couple has paid for the ramp out of their own pocket.  They're just asking the property owner and a neighbor to budge a little.

Just days ago, Don and Robin Paul were told "no after the second attempt to put an aluminum ramp outside their home.

"We all have two spots," the neighbor said.

No from the neighbor because she doesn't want to move her car a few feet and no from the property owner with no real explanation.

"You've got me ticked off," Gerry Gendron the property owner said.

But now the couple is getting some yeses.

"Even the Human Rights and Opportunity said this is outrageous," Robin Paul of Naugatuck said.

An investigator from that agency showed up Monday after our story and took pictures outside the Paul's mobile home and Greg Kirschner, Legal Director with Connecticut Fair Housing Center contacted News 8 after learning about their situation.

"Do you feel well protected now with all these people who've got your back," News 8's Erin Logan asked Paul.

"Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah," Paul said.

"It is an example of a problem we see quite frequently for people with disabilities," Kirschner said.

We met with Kirschner and had a conversation with the licensed contractor over the phone who the Paul's hired, Brian Collins of Collins Medical equipment.

"A permit is not required for an aluminum ramp," Collins said.

Collins explained to Kirschner that he's offered several suggestions to the property owner who just doesn't seem willing to work with him.

"Certainly it appears like it's even less of a burden if it's not a permanent fixture," Kirschner said.

"So, what would be the reason a landlord would say you can't have a ramp," New 8's Erin Logan asked.

"Well, that's hard to say. What a legitimate reason would be would be something that would cause some sort of extreme burden on the landlord that would somehow greatly effect the property," Kirschner said.

The couple has already filed a complaint with Housing and Urban Development. They responded quickly.

As for the property owner, when News 8 arrived there was a "closed sign" in the doorway waving. News 8 wanted to ask if he's heard back from his attorney since News 8 hasn't.

" I would prefer not to even have to go to court or anything. I mean, this is ridiculous just to get a ramp," Paul said.