Wheelchair user tells Bayonne council curb cuts are unsafe, costing thousands in repairs; city outlines ramp program

Carmelo DeBary, a Bayonne resident and wheelchair user, told the City Council on Sept. 17 that the city's curb cuts and sidewalks are often too steep or broken, creating dangerous transitions that have damaged his wheelchair and limited his independence. He said he accumulated over $7,000 in repair bills in six months and urged the city to make accessibility a budget priority.

DeBary cited the ADA standard for running slope (no more than 8.33 percent) and said many existing transitions are not flush and produce jolts that tip wheelchairs. He told the council that replacing wheelchairs is expensive and not a viable solution for residents who rely on fixed incomes.

Council and staff response: Director Cotter (Public Works) and council members said the city maintains a program to install handicap ramps during paving projects and that developers are required to include ramps in new projects. Staff noted homeowners usually maintain sidewalks outside of full street projects and encouraged residents to report especially problematic corners; council members offered to share contact numbers and asked for photos to expedite inspections.

What’s next: Council asked staff to coordinate inspections and to prioritize repairs where possible. Residents were encouraged to document locations with photos, which staff said speeds problem‑spotting and inspection. The council did not approve a citywide sidewalk rehabilitation at the Sept. 17 meeting but said ramp installation is part of ongoing paving work and that state funds are sometimes used to support these projects.