Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee removes two handicap parking spaces on Ivy Avenue after months-long neighborhood dispute
Summary
After decades of neighborhood concern and a split record from the Disabilities Commission, the Ordinance Committee voted 4–1 to remove two handicap parking signs on Ivy Ave; the committee approved four other handicap-space installations and left two applications tabled for more documentation.
The Holyoke City Ordinance Committee approved the removal of two on-street handicap parking signs on the west side of Ivy Avenue after extended debate about historical process and neighborhood need.
Councilor Anderson Burgos said the request stems from repeated constituent complaints that the signs ‘‘created chaos’’ for residents at 9 Ivy Ave and that records showed no current users associated with two of the three signs. Jeffrey (staff) noted the Disabilities Commission had approved four other orders and denied two because the need was not documented.
Councilors debated precedent and process. Councilor Linda Bacon warned the committee that removing handicap spaces over a resident objection would be an unusual step—"we have never done it when a resident is objecting," she said—while Councilor Rivera and others argued that without an application or demonstrated need the unassigned signs were taking public parking without justification.
Councilor Bacon sought a compromise to remove one of the two contested spaces and retain one; another member moved to remove both. The committee adopted the motion to remove both spots on a roll call vote, 4–1, with Councilor Bacon opposed.
Separately, the committee approved installation orders for handicap signs at addresses included in Items 7–10 per the Disabilities Commission’s recommendations, and tabled Items 11 and 12 to allow applicants or councilors to provide additional documentation of need.
