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Age Friendly Carbondale presses trustees to make town-hall entrance accessible; manager sets September deadline
Summary
Age Friendly Carbondale urged trustees to make the town-hall front entrance independently accessible rather than waiting for a larger renovation; Town Manager Ryan committed to completion "no later than the end of September" and to adjust a temporary doorbell for accessibility.
Members of Age Friendly Carbondale told trustees on July 14 that the town-hall front door remains a significant access barrier for older adults and people with mobility impairments and urged immediate action.
"Without access, there can be no participation," Susie Sliss said, speaking for Age Friendly Carbondale, and asked the board to make installation of an accessible push-button entrance a standalone, immediate priority, publish a timeline for completion, and modify the video doorbell installed that day so it is accessible to users.
Nikki Delson, chair of Age Friendly Carbondale, reviewed the 2019 AARP designation and described the group's volunteer advocacy for residents; she framed the accessibility request as consistent with the town's earlier commitment when it joined the AARP network.
Town Manager Ryan acknowledged the long delay but said the entrance is not tied to the ultimate remodel and pledged action. "I'll put out there no later than the end of September. We'll do that," he said, and described the installed ring/video doorbell as an interim measure that staff will adjust to improve access.
The chair said funding for the project is included in the current budget but that competing priorities and limited staff capacity have delayed physical work. Trustees and staff pledged follow-up with Age Friendly representatives and noted they would keep the issue on the board's tracking list.
