During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the accessibility of the Edgewood School and the need for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Councilman Glauf introduced a motion to ensure that necessary measures are taken to make the second floor of 165 Broadway compliant, particularly to expand youth services.

The building, currently housing the nonprofit Teen Empowerment, has been identified as needing significant upgrades to improve accessibility. While the first floor has been made compliant since 2016, the second floor remains inaccessible without the installation of an elevator, a project that has been a long-standing request from the community.

City officials acknowledged the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the importance of youth spaces in the community. However, they noted that the capital planning process can be complex and that there are numerous competing priorities across the city, including schools and infrastructure.

The city is in the process of launching an ADA transition task force, which will involve residents and experts working alongside city staff to update the city's ADA transition plan. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility across various city buildings, including those designated for youth services.

While there is recognition of the pressing need for an elevator in the Edgewood School, city officials indicated that obtaining a cost estimate for the installation would require a significant investment in planning and assessment. They committed to discussing the matter further with the capital asset management team to explore potential solutions and prioritize the expansion of teen spaces throughout the city.