Dear Editor:
I have been aware for some time that Chestertown is remiss in providing adequate handicapped access to many of its public accommodations. These include lodging, recreation, transportation, education, dining, shopping, and care provision venues.
The Americans With Disabilities Act requires removal of existing barriers to handicapped persons in existing facilities if this is readily achievable as to the cost and the financial ability of the current business owners to do so.
If the building is an historic property so designated by the National Register, state or local guidelines, business owners are obligated to comply with ADA requirements to the maximum extent feasible, unless such changes threaten the historic significance of a feature of the building in question.
Just take a walk around downtown Chestertown and decide for yourself which businesses you could enter if you were in a wheelchair or using a scooter. A modest ramp here and there would make an enormous difference to our handicapped citizens.
Connie Schroth
Doug O'Dell says
Editor,
As the owner of the Imperial Hotel, one of Chestertown’s most historic commercial buildings, I hasten to note that when we took ownership of the property in 2006, one of the first improvements projects we undertook was the provision of ADA compliant access from Queen Street to the atrium area of the Hotel through our garden. Not ideal, but the High Street entrance was problematic. I am personally very sympathetic to the intentions of the ADA, as my father lost his leg above the knee as a result of his combat service in WWII, and especially later in life, mobility was a challenge for him in public spaces. My brothers and I were his “good legs”. I wish you well in bringing this to the attention of the community.
Joe Lill says
Editor,
Maybe an on-line map of of the Town with all the ADA compatible routes through it would be a good idea as this may be an issue of not knowing where they are instead of them not existing.