HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-07-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Minutes - April 7, 2016
Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Chair; Nate Finch; Julie Miller; Len Morse-Fortier; Michael
Martignetti
Town Liaisons: Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectman
Guests: Shaun Grady, Jeri Zeder, Lee Connors, Anne Eccles (HDC)
Center Streetscape
The commission has yet to see samples of bricks that have no vibration as well as the potential concrete
options. The formation of the ad hoc committee can hopefully help with this.
At the end of the meeting, a question was raised by a guest as to whether the commission is more
concerned with the general design of the center streetscape or just the accessibility features. The
commission has opinions on both aspects, however our greatest concern is ensuring access for all.
Presentation by DiNisco Designs regarding the middle school renovations
Vivan Lo and Ken DiNisco discussed the plans to renovate the two middle schools, Clarke and Diamond.
This project was also supported by Town Meeting. The total combined cost is approximately $62 million.
At Diamond, the drop-off and pick-up area will be separated from the main traffic flow. The topography
is already relatively flat, so there is proper access for all. The design team will verify whether the
elevator, which is currently centrally located, is in compliance with the current building code. A new
building with additional academic space will be built. Since most of the work will be completed during
the school year, a concern was raised about the noise level during construction.
At Clarke, a major renovation will happen at the front entrance. The surrounding wetlands combined with
the fact that the school is built on a hill make the renovation process more complicated. The main
entrance plaza will be raised to meet the grade of the front door. In addition, a new building addition will
be built near the current gymnasium. Accessible parking will be available near the front door and the
entrance to the new building. The route for the bus pickup/drop off will be redesigned to accommodate
better traffic flow. All new construction areas will be accessible except for the walkway on the hill where
the bus pickup/drop off area is. A suggestion was made about the potential of adding a handrail at this
location. A discussion between the school and bus company will need to happen about how to best
accommodate individuals with disabilities. During certain times of the day, especially during the morning
drop off, a bus may need to wait to move closer to the front door before dropping students off instead of
letting them off on the hill.
Since the renovation work at Clarke will exceed 30% of the buildings value, the accessibility of the whole
school needs to be examined. Currently, the stage in the main auditorium is only accessible from a lift
that is positioned outside the auditorium. The current lift is at the end of a crowded hallway and is not
easily found from the inside of the auditorium. The Commission feels that the variance can be supported
if there is a push-button door leading to the lift, if there is proper signage about the lift, if the hallway to
the lift is kept clear of obstacles, if there could be sound and microphone accommodations during events.
There is also need for variance concerning one of the walkways which the Commission agreed to.
Submitted by, Nate Finch