The city of San Diego wants Blackwater Worldwide to make its simulated ship at its new Naval training center in Otay Mesa accessible to wheelchairs. The private firm says the city is deliberately throwing hurdles in its path. KPBS Reporter Amita Sharma has more.
Blackwater's Brian Bonfiglio says the city's development services department has asked it to retrofit the ship simulator for wheelchair access to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. That is one of 64 conditions, Bonfiglio says the city has placed on the controversial security contractor before it issues a final permit.
Bonfiglio says he's checked with the military and not one simulated ship is wheelchair accessible. He accused the city violating a court order requiring it to allow Blackwater to operate the training facility.
Bonfiglio: They have admitted that they realize that you don't have Navy personnel on wheelchairs on Navy vessels. They are trying really hard not comply with the judge's ruling.
City Attorney Mike Aguirre would only say San Diego's development services department is making its own decisions and doing so in good faith.
Amita Sharma, KPBS News.
