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Merrimac disability commission presses for sidewalks, curb cuts and court repairs; flags Light Department ADA concerns
Summary
At its Feb. 4 meeting the Merrimac Commission on Disabilities reviewed progress on a $50,000 basketball-court accessibility project, a $30,000 curb-cut grant and a $45,000 sidewalk budget request, accepted a new member and raised ADA-compliance concerns about a proposed Light Department move to Mill Street.
The Merrimac Commission on Disabilities met on Feb. 4, 2026, and reviewed several near-term accessibility projects while voting to update membership and set follow-up steps with the town finance committee. Chair Christopher Gaudet presided over the hybrid meeting held at the Merrimac Police Station and on Zoom.
The commission said a $50,000 earmark to refinish the Donaghue School basketball court and create accessible access points is under contract. Alyssa Sexton completed the contract process with the Department of Public Works, and Boston Tennis and Surfacing submitted the proposal; the project is slated to begin in the spring.
Commissioners also reported that the Municipal ADA Improvement Grant for fiscal 2026 produced a $30,000 contract to install curb cuts on School Street and Union Street. The commission said the contract has been received and the curb-cut work is planned for the spring.
Members discussed a separate funding push to improve sidewalks. The commission intends to advocate to the Finance Committee on Feb. 25, 2026, for a $45,000 FY27 Highway Department line item to support sidewalks in town; Gaudet and Robert Sinibaldi will attend the FinCom meeting to present the request.
The Light Department’s schematic design for a proposed move to a Mill Street building drew particular concern. Mary at the Light Department clarified the utility is not renovating its Main Street headquarters but is considering selling it and relocating; the commission said the Mill Street schematic appears to have significant ADA shortcomings, including sidewalk and access deficiencies. The commission asked to monitor the project and said future parking plans should include an ADA-accessible EV charging station in addition to required accessible parking spaces.
On membership matters, commissioners voted unanimously to excuse Ann Murphy from the commission because she cannot meet attendance obligations; Brienne Walsh made the motion and Robert Hart seconded. The commission also unanimously accepted Courtney L’Abbe as a new member after a motion by Robert Sinibaldi and a second from Brienne Walsh.
In open discussion, Brienne Walsh reported that a recent MassDOT audit of the Senior Center praised the town’s website and published documents for ADA compliance and accessibility.
The meeting concluded with a motion by Robert Sinibaldi to adjourn, seconded by Brienne Walsh; commissioners adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The commission listed exhibits that included the Oct. 2025 meeting minutes, the Feb. 4 meeting agenda, the FY2026 Municipal ADA Improvement Grant paperwork, CMR 541 Curb Cut Regulations, and an email from William Joyce about sidewalk snow clearance. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
