Town schedules community 'Mingle' on nonmotorized transportation, ADA access

Town staff on July 22 announced a community meeting to solicit public input on nonmotorized transportation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access barriers in La Conner. Asia (staff) said the “community Mingle” will be held August 19 in Maple Hall and will seek public reports of sidewalks, crossings or other obstructions that hinder walking, cycling or access for mobility devices. Staff emphasized the meeting will target fixes that can be implemented without a full traffic-engineering study; she said a typical traffic-engineering study could cost on the order of $80,000 and the town intends to focus on smaller, lower-cost improvements such as installing railings on steps. Staff said they will provide a virtual option (likely a Google form) for residents who cannot attend in person; the form was expected to be available on the town website by August 18. Staff asked residents to report locations and examples of obstructions so the town can prioritize relatively quick improvements. The meeting is intended to gather community-sourced examples rather than to pursue major capital projects, which would require more extensive analysis and funding. Council members and residents raised examples of overgrown plants and specific locations with tight pedestrian clearance; staff said they would follow up with property owners and public-works crews where appropriate.