Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Constituent says wheelchair lift failed at Barn at Tilly’s Table; county orders new lift
Summary
A Putnam County constituent told the Physical Services Committee a guest in a wheelchair could not access a county‑run event space when a lift failed; county public works says a temporary lift is in place and a new 1,000‑pound‑capacity lift has been ordered for delivery this week.
Kara Steffensen told the Putnam County Physical Services Committee on Feb. 10 that a guest who uses a wheelchair traveled more than an hour to attend a Nov. 29, 2025 party at the Barn at Tilly’s Table after being told the space was accessible, but the chair lift failed when he attempted to use it.
Steffensen said staff initially were accommodating and called for help, but after roughly an hour and a half the lift still would not operate and the guest could not enter. She said the restaurant’s handicapped bathroom entrance had been used to store tables and chairs and staff had to clear a path before the guest could use it. “This is a problem and I believe everyone needs to start thinking differently,” Steffensen told the committee, and she urged the County to consider installing a ramp to improve access and emergency egress.
Commissioner of the Department of Public Works Thomas Feighery told the committee a temporary chair lift has since been installed on the stairs, a concrete slab was poured about six weeks ago, and “a new lift has been ordered to be delivered this week.” He said the replacement will have a higher weight capacity, adding that “the new lift will have a higher weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and will have a cover.” Feighery said site constraints at the venue make a ramp difficult; he noted a 4‑foot rise would require an approximately 48‑foot ramp given the slope calculation he described.
Legislator Montgomery asked how many people attended the event; Steffensen said there were 87 in attendance. Legislator Crowley and Legislator Sayegh thanked Steffensen for bringing the matter to the County’s attention and apologized that the guest experienced access problems. Crowley noted the County’s Think Differently model and asked whether overall site access, including parking, had been reviewed. Feighery credited the Legislature and administration for prioritizing ADA upgrades across county facilities.
The committee did not direct a capital project at the meeting; Feighery said a ramp would be a capital project requiring approval from the Watershed Agricultural Council for work on that site. Feighery reiterated the immediate fixes: a temporary lift has been placed while the ordered lift is delivered and installed.
Steffensen encouraged continued attention to how spaces are made accessible for residents and guests with disabilities. The committee’s next procedural steps on the issue were not specified at the meeting.