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Residents, advocates say elevator closure and ramp access raised safety and ADA concerns at township meetings
Summary
Public commenters and council members pressed the township for documentation after emergency closure of the municipal elevator and blocking of accessible entrances. Officials said engineering and compliance checks are pending; council requested an engineer'issued letter confirming ADA compliance.
Public comment at the Feb. 24 Edison Township Council meeting returned repeatedly to accessibility concerns after the municipal elevator and one elevator access were temporarily shut during prior meetings.
Edward "Lefty" Grimes, a longtime disability-rights advocate, said the closure forced disabled residents to use an outdoor ramp that he described as unsafe and unlit. "The handicap access was closed for 2 meetings... a woman with one leg had to walk up that hill," Grimes said during public comment, standing with a wheelchair to demonstrate the difficulty.
Councilman Richard Brasher asked the administration for an engineering letter confirming whether the ramp/elevator setup meets code. "I was told that we were gonna get a letter from the engineer saying it was compliant; I have yet to see it," Brasher said during the meeting and asked staff to provide the document.
Chief Tom Bridal addressed the broader operational issue and said the department would work with DPW to obtain the requested documentation. Later in the meeting the fire chief and DPW were reported to be coordinating repairs and upgrades at municipal facilities, and council members requested manpower and contractor reports to confirm progress.
Officials said they were still collecting engineer reports and letters about code compliance and would present them to the council. No formal vote was taken.
Why it matters: The temporary closure of the elevator and restricted accessible entry raised civil-rights and safety concerns for residents who rely on accessible building features. Council members requested written confirmation of compliance and a timeline for repairs.
What officials said they'd do: Council members asked administration and DPW to provide the engineer's letter on ADA compliance and to deliver contractor manpower records showing work progress. The council also discussed seeking more visible notification to residents when access points are altered.
