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Merrimac Commission on Disabilities reviews local accessibility concerns, awaits grant decision for school curb cuts
Summary
The commission discussed a noncompliant ramp at 5 East Main, requested updates from property owners, approved a website accessibility review with the Institute for Human Design, and said it will wait on MOD grant results before completing curb cuts at Donaghue School.
At its July 31, 2024 meeting the Merrimac Commission on Disabilities reviewed a set of local accessibility issues and next steps for fixes and studies.
Members discussed a newly built noncompliant ramp at 5 East Main Street. Robert Sinibaldi, member and ADA compliance officer, suggested removing the existing ramp and installing a new, compliant ramp. He recommended the commission send a letter to the property manager and owner asking for an update within 30 days.
The commission noted that the Institute for Human Design signed a proposal to perform an ADA website review; the organization will meet with town staff and departments responsible for the Merrimac website to review necessary design changes. The minutes record that an Institute for Human Design invoice for $12,440.00 was paid, with the payment processed because the item had been approved at the June meeting.
Commissioners discussed a MOD grant application submitted by Chairman Christopher Gaudet to fund curb cuts around Donaghue School along an emergency route. The commission agreed to delay any curb-cut construction until the commission is notified whether the grant is awarded.
Christopher Gaudet reported contacting managers at 12 School Street and Dunkin Donuts about installing handicap parking signs; both items are pending owner responses. The commission also reviewed a developer response for renovations at 92, 94 and 96 East Main Street and found that its earlier questions had been answered. Members confirmed that handicapped parking arrangements for Old Home Days are in place and that renovations at 99 East Main Street are underway without new updates.
Gaudet said he will reconnect in the fall with David McKinnon of Greenbelt to explore where an accessible trail might be installed; Wally’s Farm will remain in operation while work is scoped.
The commission requested the property manager and owner of 5 East Main provide an update in 30 days; no enforcement action or timeline for construction was recorded. The commission set its next meeting for September 4, 2024.
