HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-05-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from September 5, 2019
Members: Victoria Buckley, chair, Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Julie
Miller, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager Committee; Joe Pato, Selectman
Guest: Colin Smith
Minutes
Minutes for August 1, 2019 were reviewed, revised, and approved.
LexHAB Farm View
Colin Smith shared the plans for a LexHAB housing project that is being developed at 34A
Lowell Street. After some clarifying questions about the use of modular homes on this project,
some suggestions were offered to align the bathrooms floor to floor and make them closer to the
bedrooms to ensure greater ease of use for individuals with disabilities and to anticipate the
needs of personal care attendants. This project will support 6 affordable apartments with two
specifically designed to be fully accessible.
Review of submitted statement for Ad Hoc Special Permit Residential Development Zoning
By-law Committee on August 20
There is an emerging community need for new by-laws related to residential development, and
the committee is accepting input. Victoria offered suggestions related to visitability and universal
design. A website for this group where statements offered by the community will be posted.
Review of complaint filed on sidewalks on south side and Depot Square
We continued our discussion about the complaint registered by the Commission about problems
in the center sidewalk. The DPW did go out and review the areas that we identified and while
they agreed that repairs were needed, they offered that these repairs would be rolled into the
pending Streetscape project. This response raised several concerns by commission members,
including how the town prioritizes repairs, and what the maintenance and repair model will be
for the new Streetscape project. DPW will be invited to our October meeting to share their
process for prioritizing repair and maintenance projects.
Discussion of August 5 Select Board meeting
We were grateful to learn that the Selectmen offered full support for our recommendation that
the new Streetscape curb cuts be made with all concrete pads and federal yellow rumble strips.
Disproportionality and Suspension Concerns in LPS
Victoria and Sue will be meeting with Johnny Cole, Director of Equity and Student Support for
LPS. They would like to discuss whether the 2014 Discipline Checklist has been put into
operation consistently across the district, as well as other forms that are useful for monitoring the
efficacy of the discipline process. They will also be asking for current suspension data submitted
to the state.
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Additional new business and update on new projects
We are exploring whether guidelines that support service animals should also allow comfort
animals. What role do they play in the disability community? How much further than the ADA
does the community want to go. Brookline has recently just allowed all animals to the Library
starting mid-October.
Riders' Transportation Access Group
This state interest group focuses on transportation issues like the MBTA and the RIDE. Shaun
Grady will attend the meeting and report back about this group's activities.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack
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