HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-04-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from April 4, 2019
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti,Julie Miller,
Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons:Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, Capital
Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman, Council on Aging
Guests: Meg Robertson, Orientation and Mobility Department, Massachusetts Commission for
the Blind; Tony Ciampa
1. Minutes
• Review of minutes for March— Minutes approved
2. Article 16e Center Streetscape passed at Town Meeting on April 3 with an amendment
proposed by Victoria to insert a phrase, as follows in italics: "$9,105,000 for
reconstruction of the center streetscape including removal, replacement and
restoration of the center sidewalk with the advice of the Commission on Disability; ...".
Commission will decide the next steps and will have to oppose at least the crosswalk
ramps.
3. Meg Robertson, Director, Orientation and Mobility Department, Massachusetts
Commission for the Blind
• She shared concerns about the general hazards of brick, observing that her constituents
want a firm and stable surface, which is not a brick surface. The maintenance of brick is
exacting and hard to get right.
• She mentioned the importance of considering the fatigue factor in terms of mobility
issues.
• She is in agreement with the Commission that the use of brick is problematic. She
agreed as well that the gray board around the perimeter edge on the proposed new
curb cuts is insufficient and needs to be a greater contrast. She offered that concrete
with a yellow rumble pad would be best as opposed to the use of brick with a gray
perimeter. The yellow is also important at night.
• She shared proposed revisions to the US Access Board regulations related to new
construction and sidewalks issued in 2011. (Approval of these suggested changes are
still pending.)
• She shared other resources from Boston and Cambridge about their positions on the use
of brick.
4. Training Needs for Merchants concerning Plastic Straws
• Members of the Commission will work with the Girl Scouts on outreach efforts to build
awareness and address the training needs for merchants concerning plastic straws for
individuals with disabilities— Francine,Julie and Shaun volunteered.
5. Article 30A— 186 Bedford Street
• Michael Martignetti introduced Tony Ciampa, owner of the building at 186 Bedford
Street, who wants to develop the area into housing and commercial space. The entire
commercial space will be accessible.
• Motion was made that this is a handicapped accessible project. Based on our current
understanding, the Commission supports this project. Vote: 7 Yes, 1 No
6. Event on 4/11 -Screening of"Intelligent Lives" on April 11 at 7 pm at the Lexington
Venue, followed by conversation on how to make Lexington more welcoming and
accessible for disabled adults - register for free at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intelligent-lives-film-screening-tickets-52451798742
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Sue Cusack