For most of us, it’s easy to stroll along the sidewalks of Chestertown. Parking? Not much of a problem. Walking into our homes? No issues.
But not for some.
For anyone with a disability, our sidewalks and parking spaces can become a frustrating hardship. Some curbs with knock-outs for wheelchair access are still impeded by impassable ridges. Handicap parking spaces sometimes don’t allow enough area on either side of the car to place a wheelchair, or the handicap spaces have obstructions, and, in the historic zone, it can take two months to get permission to build a ramp for private residences.
All of these issues were addressed at Monday’s town council meeting by 1st ward Councilwoman Liz Gross.
Gross offered a stellar slide presentation of handicap access issues for the council to consider.
Called “Getting Around Chesterton with a Disability,” Gross enlisted the help of Chestertown’s Jenn Baker—who depends on wheelchair access—and together they studied sidewalks and parking spaces throughout the community to find out which problems should be addressed.
Gross also made other recommendations to help move the town forward in its endeavor to make Chestertown more easily maneuverable for its residents and visitors.
Here are a few minutes of Councilwoman Gross’ presentation.
Marty Stetson says
Liz did a good job of indicating some of the problems we now have with our handicap parking, we should move to correct them. Our population is getting older throughout the nation and in particular here in Chestertown. We also have to do abetter job of policing those who violate the law by parking in those spaces reserved for handicap parking. We have all seen a young person jump out of a car and run into a store after parking in a handicap parking space. The car needs to fit the driver or passenger, as the use of a car with handicap tags without a handicap person in it should not use the parking place reserved for those who do need it. I have a friend who has a handicap pass that you hang on your mirror and only uses it when it is absolutely necessary. If he can park within a reasonable distance he does just that, leaving the handicap space for those who have a difficult walking even a short distance. This is the attitude that needs to be installed in everyone.