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Council discusses accessibility gaps at Narrows Elementary; asks staff to coordinate with school board
Summary
Council members reported limited and poorly marked accessible parking and difficult paths of travel at Narrows Elementary/Middle School, and agreed to work with the school board and staff to identify practical improvements that may require modest town support.
A council member raised concerns about accessible parking and safe routes at Narrows Elementary/Middle School during the Feb. 10 meeting, describing situations in which marked spaces are distant from building entrances and sidewalks become congested during events.
"Although the main initiative is the requirements, the location of the spaces relative to access to the athletic field and community center is not reasonably convenient and reasonably safe," the councilor said, noting paint markings had become faded and access aisles for wheelchair loading might be missing.
Councilors discussed ADA requirements for space count and access-aisle geometry and emphasized that meeting minimum code does not always result in usable access during crowded events. One member recommended going "above and beyond" the legal minimum to ensure independent access without the need for assistance.
Councilors agreed staff should continue conversations with the school board, determine where responsibility for improvements lies, and return with a scope of potential measures (re-striping, additional spaces, ramps or short path improvements) and cost estimates for possible town support.
No formal appropriation was requested at the meeting; the item will return for further study and coordination among town staff, the school board and planning staff.
