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Victoria Buckley, Chair
Letter to Selectmen for Goal-Setting
The Commission on Disability is charged with promoting accessibility
and inclusion for the citizens of Lexington The Selectmen could help in
this effort by actively integrating considerations of accessibility and
inclusion into their policy and decision-making process Adopting such a
stance is a challenging endeavor requiring constant advocacy and a
commitment to building awareness within the members of our government
and citizenry We strongly encourage the Selectmen to apply this thinking
as they engage in the strategic planning and goal-setting for our
community
In addition to adopting this forward thinking stance, we have one
more request that is specific in nature, and fundamental to the terms of our
charge The Commission could use your assistance in promoting greater
awareness about the challenges inherent in choosing brick, including wire-
cut brick, when constructing sidewalks The decision to use brick is most
often identified for its esthetic qualities This decision is made with little
regard for safety or for total ownership costs, or life cycle costs, including
the capital cost at installation, the annual maintenance costs, and the
eventual disposal costs The choice of materials for sidewalks must be
responsive to the needs of its users, users who include individuals with
disabilities, elderly citizens, and people with strollers These citizens need
smooth-surfaced sidewalks in order to traverse safely Ultimately, brick
sidewalks are hazardous and unsafe and signal a lack of concern and
sensitivity to the needs of individuals with disabilities In keeping with our
commitment to fostering a welcoming community, we would ask for your
assistance in proactively eliminating the use of brick as the primary material
for all town controlled sidewalks
Commission on Disability
June 5, 2014
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON MASSACHUSETTS 02420