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Ruggles Center seeks funding to fix accessibility barrier at Florence museum building
Summary
Representatives of the David Ruggles Center asked the CPC to fund modifications to an 1848 building at 225 Nonotuck St. in Florence after two recent visitors were unable to access the museum entrance; the group said the barrier involves a step and an approach grade from the parking area.
Kevin, on behalf of the David Ruggles Center, described an accessibility problem at the center’s museum at 225 Nonotuck Street in Florence and asked the Community Preservation Committee for assistance to correct site and ramp approach issues.
Kevin said the building—an 1848 structure that the nonprofit acquired after a demolition-delay action—has a side entrance reached by a ramp that now contains a step and a gravel/driveway approach finished at a grade that makes the ramp difficult or impossible for some visitors to use. He said on two recent occasions visitors could not reach the accessible entrance and left; the center routinely hosts school tours, conference visitors and walking tours and expects attendance to increase after a recent exhibits redesign funded by ARPA.
Tom Goldschider and Tris Metcalf added that the problem stems in part from a neighboring redevelopment where the approach grade to the ramp was not raised as originally expected; their plan calls for a small, targeted grade adjustment and approach work so visitors and occasional maintenance vehicles can access the ramp without assistance. They described the work as modest in scale and cost but said it is critical to ensure equitable access to the museum’s programs.
No final CPC decision was taken March 19; the Ruggles Center will be part of the April 2 public-comment meeting and return for deliberation.
