The Milk Row Cemetery is a Historic Preservation Commission project, and its improvements triggered sidewalk accessibility improvements by 2005. Below is the copy of the complaint I submitted today. This is at least the third time this issue has been brought to the attention of the City ADA Coordinator in the past year.
TO: Somerville ADA Coordinator Carlene Campbell
Hi Carlene,
Milk Row Cemetery has a driveway with no curb cuts; its renovations during the past three years were financed by both Federal and State Funds. The City remains noncompliant with the below referenced building code. As a result, all pedestrians who use mobility aids and strollers, etc. are especially prevented from sidewalk accessibility as they proceed past Market Basket towards School Street on Somerville Avenue.
The Somerville Avenue reconstruction project should in no way be responsible for holding the City up from complying with accessible route requirements at this time. (In fact, the fine can be doubled during construction.)
Here is the applicable State building code:
21.2.3 Driveways: Curb cuts are required at driveways intersecting sidewalks when the driveway has side curbs.
Thanks very much.
Eileen F
cc: BW, Executive Director, Historic Preservation Commission
KB, Disabilities Commission
Posted in Accessibility, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation
