HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-06-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from February 6, 2020
Members: Victoria Buckley, chair, Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti, Leonard
Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe
Pato, Select Board
Guests: Cristina Burwell
Munroe Center for the Arts
Cristina Burwell is the Executive Director of the Munroe Center for the Arts, the first ED
in many years. She has an extensive background in assistive technology and support. Len
Morse-Fortier has reviewed architect Colin Smith's drawings and has offered suggestions to
ensure accessibility. The Commission agrees that an elevator is a needed part of any
renovations.
Munroe got a $1.5m donation, which allows them to think more broadly. Cristina has
been in touch with the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) to brainstorm some
possibilities. This conversation led to the submission of an application to the state to get
funding for a comprehensive study of accessibility considerations by the IHCD. Joe Pato
mentioned that they are eligible to apply for CPA funds.
Cristina was unaware of the complaints that the Commission has stated over the years,
and we will share the complaints with her. It was also suggested that the Special Education
Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) be contacted as well to help build a frame for the proposal.
The Commission is wondering about spending money on yet another study.
Update on Parker Meadow, Willard's Woods, and Conservation projects
Jordan McCarron, Conservation Stewardship Program Coordinator for Lexington has been a
good ally in working with the Commission on the pathways at these conservation projects.
1. Parker Meadow Conservation Area
The Parker Meadow restoration project is working on a design of accessible improvements
with an eye toward making the space fully accessible, but there is some concern from the
neighborhood about the project. The neighborhood is pushing back for less development citing
concerns about disrupting existing wild life and increased pedestrian traffic. The Conservation
Commission's next meeting is February 24th with the public meeting time from 6:30—7:00pm.
A vote on the scope of the project is expected at that time.
2. Willard Woods There was a public meeting to share the preliminary findings of the study by
ecologists. The study was funded by CPA funds. More data will be collected for this study in the
spring. The final report will share information about invasive plant species
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Additional new business and updates on new projects
Police Station
There are no plans available for us to review at this time. The Select Board is still gathering
information. They have sent out an informal poll asking about Police Station renovations and
whether the station should remain in its current location.
Vinebrook Housing Development
A large renovation is being planned. Someone will be coming to talk to us about plans in the
spring.
Hastings School
The project is on schedule. They are applying for their occupancy permit, and the move into the
school is scheduled for February.
Integrated Design Policy for New Buildings
The design policy will apply to all construction and renovations of Town Buildings. The next
step is the operational side to monitor construction.
Waterstone/Bridges buildings at 55-56 Watertown Street
The rezoning at 55-56 Watertown Street was approved at Town Meeting in Fall 2019. Two
new buildings, a Memory Care building and across the street a 6-story independent living
complex, will now be built.
Discussion about Outreach for Commission
Sean Grady suggested more awareness of hidden disabilities, including the different types of
brain injuries. He shared a one-page resource about Hidden/Invisible disabilities. Students with
Disabilities as Diverse Learners (SDDL) is a federally funded project administered by the Center
on Disability Studies at the University of Hawai'i. To learn more, go to
http://www.ist.hawaii.edu/training/hiddendisabilities/05_hidden_disabilities.php
Respectfully submitted: Sue Cusack
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