Resident urges 10-minute drop-off for new downtown golf simulator, raises resident-only handicap and ADA ramp concerns

Lisa Ferguson of 718 East Second Street used the public-comment period at the Madison Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Jan. 9 to raise three neighborhood issues: a short-term drop-off space for a new golf-simulator business, a request to explore "resident-only" handicap parking, and a request to allow temporary ramping to assist a veteran with limited mobility.

Ferguson said she had spoken with the Ehlers, who are opening a golf-simulator/drive-range business on a nearby block, and that the business had been told the city allows only one 10-minute drop-off space per block. She asked the board to consider permitting a short-term drop-off sign where the business can accept golf clubs for a brief period so customers do not have to carry heavy equipment long distances from public lots. She noted the current neighborhood 10-minute space sits in front of Scarlet Begonia, a dress shop, and said the new business would have a different operational need.

On handicap parking Ferguson asked the board to consider changing city practice so that a curbside handicap space issued for a resident would be reserved for that resident’s use rather than being available to any vehicle displaying a handicap placard. She said her family obtained a handicap space for an uncle who is permanently disabled and described instances when visiting placard holders occupied that curb space for multi-day stays; she framed the change as similar to resident-only handicap designs in other municipalities. A board member who handles parking code questions (referred to in the record as "Joe" and "Tim") replied that current Madison code designates handicap parking for use by any eligible person and that creating a resident-reserved designation would require an ordinance change.

Ferguson also described a request from the Veterans Council on behalf of Jane Peller, an older veteran who lives on East Street, to allow a temporary metal ramp to ease access. She said property owners had given permission but city staff told them the ramp did not meet the required 36-inch ADA clearance and therefore could not be installed. Ferguson asked the board to consider options to assist residents with mobility needs when older sidewalks and steps predate modern ADA dimensions.

On process, Ferguson said staff (Gina) told the golf-simulator owners to apply through the police department for a change to drop-off parking, and Ferguson said she would follow up with the owners and the board. The board did not take action during the meeting on any of these items; they were presented as public comment for board consideration at a later date.

Ferguson also said the town has approximately 135 Airbnb units and suggested that transient visitors unfamiliar with local curb rules contribute to conflicts over parking near residences.