Did you catch tonight’s Transportation and Housing forum at City Hall? What did you think? Anybody say anything noteworthy? Did the big three draw any clear distinctions? Any of the outsiders make an impression? Candidates, anything you’d like to expand on?
Have at it in the comments!
(We’ll post a link to the NewTV video as soon as it’s online.)
It was shocking to learn that stores can build new buildings that aren’t accessible to wheelchairs on Needham St. Thank you Robert for raising this issue!
I hope in future forums we can hear how the 2 remaining mayoral candidates will fix this.
They can? How is that not against ADA? Definitely plan to watch the video this weekend.
I, too, was appalled to learn that new stores can get certificates of occupancy without accessibility. I hope it’s not true.
I would like if the questioner indicated what properties he/she is referring to. Nobody mentioned anything, just an accusation that had the candidates fuming. Somebody mentioned the Boston Ballet, so I just looked them up online. Their image online has a clear and very long ramp. https://www.bostonballet.org/Home/Education/About/Locations/Newton-Studio.aspx Perhaps somebody can look into this and get more data and specify exactly what the problem is. Is the problem with getting special permits without a proper design? Or is the problem that the Certificate of Occupancy is given before all the specs have been fulfilled? If so, the problem may apply to more than just ADA but be a general more systemic one that concerns the gap between receiving a special permit and receiving the C of O. If that’s the case, then is it under-staffing or what? Or a management issue?
Hi Jane – I was told the issue is not ramping, it is the doors. Specifically, can people with mobility issues (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) open the door to enter a business.
Thanks, Lucia. I just wonder if these businesses have proper compliant doors in the designs that are submitted but the designs aren’t implemented and in that case why not and if they get approved for the Certificate of Occupancy anyway… or if they’re not even in the submitted plans. Or were they in one draft but not another… Where is the problem? And if this is common not just with the ADA stuff but in general with permits and special permits. (I know of a case NOT involving ADA. ) Once the city gets their $ for the permits do they not care anymore? That’s the cynical view. Or is it understaffing?? I think you can’t fix a problem until you understand it and can identify it. I’d like the candidates to have been a little more analytical.