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Council leaves Captain Royal Melbourne Park as configured after ADA and sidewalk debate
Summary
After discussion about a 10‑foot sidewalk, site access and an on‑site handicapped parking space, council voted to retain the park’s current configuration and to seek no immediate changes.
Council members debated whether to require a 10‑foot sidewalk or add an on‑site handicapped parking space at Captain Royal Melbourne Park before voting April 7 to leave the park as configured.
Staff described the issues as options rather than mandatory work: keep the current access and sidewalk; close the driveway and install a 10‑foot sidewalk; keep the driveway and add a handicapped space (with or without a 10‑foot sidewalk); or add just the handicapped space. Some council members and nearby property owners urged adding a handicapped parking space so users could access the park’s existing ramp rather than crossing the street. Other council members and staff warned that changing an older federally funded project could carry federal compliance implications and cost, and that many nearby properties do not currently have 10‑foot sidewalks.
Councilman Bagby proposed outreach to adjacent property owners to secure a handicapped parking stall on neighboring lots; that motion produced a tie in an earlier vote and was not adopted. A later motion to leave the park as is—retaining the existing driveway and sidewalk configuration—carried on voice vote with six yes votes and one possible abstention noted by staff.
Separately, council heard a motion to direct the city engineer to study stormwater at the lower portion of the park; that motion failed to obtain the required majority after discussion about jurisdiction and costs.
