Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident tells commission Pere Marquette boardwalk is inaccessible, criticizes city’s handling of disabled access
Summary
A caller identified as a NAMS neighborhood resident told the commission the Pere Marquette boardwalk is impassable for wheelchair users and accused the city of reducing accessibility while expanding paid parking; staff did not respond during the call beyond thanking the caller.
During general public comment a Muskegon resident called to complain about accessibility at Pere Marquette and Kruesi Park, saying the city has decided not to restore access and that the boardwalk is hazardous for wheelchair users.
The exchange matters because it raises concerns about access to public waterfront facilities for people with disabilities and calls attention to whether the city will fund or permit improvements.
The caller identified herself as Elena Kantor of the NAMS neighborhood and told the commission she had provided video evidence showing the boardwalk is “impassable for wheelchair users.” Kantor said the city had told her it had “no intention of restoring access at Kruesi Park,” that the boardwalk at Pere Marquette is “inaccessible,” and that the city would not provide options that allow an independently mobile disabled person to use the boardwalk. She said efforts the city has discussed (track chairs or volunteer assistance) place the burden on disabled people to be accompanied by non-disabled helpers. “The commission has decided to actively decrease accessibility in our community,” Kantor said.
Mayor and staff briefly acknowledged the comment and asked whether there were other callers; no further city response or staff plan was presented during the work session. The comment will be part of the record and may be raised when related park or waterfront items return to the commission for discussion.
