Above: A city advisor stated that ADA compliance violations include problems with sidewalk obstacles in the city. (Pictures cut off from the report)
Last month, I shared the information with the city through their ADA compliance self-assessment study. Since then, selected men have examined the document publicly with the city’s advisor. The Community Advocated covered the discussion.
According to the article, select members and advisors to James M. Mazik discussed the city’s non-compliance with the ADA (American Disabilities Act):
Mazik said all construction solutions must be designed by a qualified engineer and architect. He outlined for the board of directors how the projects can be broken down, with immediate projects taking place this year and next. Short-term projects would be completed between 2023 and 2026, long-term projects between 2027 and 2030.
He said the city must demonstrate “in good faith” that it is addressing the areas of non-compliance and “show movement” of the plan.
Additionally, Mazik said that not all solutions are “cost-based” and that changes to infrastructure are required. For example, a program offered on the second floor of a building could be moved to the first level to allow access for people with disabilities.
It is crucial to have “reasonable accommodation and honest efforts,” he said.
The consultant spoke of problems such as obstructions to sidewalks and curb ramps, damaged or overgrown sidewalks that create a barrier, defects in bathrooms and facilities such as stable doors that do not close and counters that are too high, insufficient signage and park widths, protruding objects that pose a hazard represent, as well as the need to provide walkways to buildings and playgrounds with a solid, stable and non-slip surface.
Mazik stressed that the city could start moving some of the simpler and cheaper solutions out of the way.
Other areas of the report highlighted how, among other things, how to write non-discriminatory job descriptions, arrange emergency preparedness and notification, and ensure that all polling stations are accessible and provide privacy.
“It’s a big deal and thank you all for having it on our radar,” said Selectman Martin Healey. He noted that he wasn’t deterred that a price tag could be in the range of $ 750,000.
Over the years the city has spent so much money “on things that are not so valuable”.
You can read more in the full article here.
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