Advocates tell Arlington Disability Commission Cherrydale Library needs upgrades to make program loft accessible

Greg Embry, secretary of Citizens for Cherrydale Library, told the Disability Advisory Commission the group hired Marion Enterprises to inspect Cherrydale Library and estimate costs to make the building fully ADA compliant, particularly to provide access to the loft where programs are held.

"We wanna make sure they are library ADA compliant... We have contracted with a construction firm called Marion Enterprises," Embry said, and added that library staff and the county attorney have restricted inspector access to non‑public spaces and limited visits to public operating hours. Cynthia Hilton, vice president of the Cherrydale Citizens Association, said advocates are pursuing cost estimates so they will be prepared during future CIP cycles: "...we went back to ask that funds to make it fully accessible be added to the FY '26 or '27 CIP."

Chair Karen Odon acknowledged the advocacy, suggested meeting with county liaison JD Spain, and offered to help coordinate next steps. Commissioners encouraged the advocates to share the commission’s report and letter once finalized so the county board and staff can consider costs and a timeline.