Snow Mountain Curbcuts in Newton: "Wheelchair users are at great risk in snow"

Residential Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Ordinance Passed!

Newton passed a residential sidewalk snow clearing ordinance! It is a two year trial. Home-owners/residents are requested to clear their abutting public sidewalks and curbcuts free of snow during the winter. Businesses are allowed 24 hours after the snow ends, residents are allowed 30 hours to clear. Lets all continue to work with Newton departments to stop the practice of dumping snow mountains on the curbcuts and crosswalks. Everyone, lets work together so Newton has safe and accessible sidewalks all year long.

New Construction is Unacceptable!

It has rained for over 24 hours. Above photos were taken on February 24th. They show the snow mountains from city plows still blocking the public sidewalk on Wachusett Rd and Hammond Street at intersection of Commonwealth Avenue.This snow has been sitting here since the December storm. The most disturbing elements in these photos are construction flaws of these sidewalks paid for by our public funds from Mass Highway Dept and overseen by the City of Newton Traffic and Engineering Department. Notice the sidewalks end into utility poles and stop midblock on people's lawn. A wheelchair user is unable to use any of these sidewalks, and would have no other choice but to be wheeling along with the trucks and cars in the street. Newton, this is unacceptable!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

"Wheelchair users are at great risk in snow"

Wheelchair users are at great risk in snow by Maryan Amaral (published Newton TAB 2/3/10)

Wheelchair users, other persons with disabilities, children and elders need to be able to traverse the sidewalks here in Newton. The snow is often seen piled high on the curbcuts, the only access point for a wheelchair user or stroller to get onto the sidewalk. Wheelchair users are left to wheel at great risk in the street, unable to get to the bus stops, crosswalks or to safety.

The 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990 Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Title II section 35.133) requires all public entities to include all members of the public in public programs, and to maintain their sidewalks and accessible features clear of snow.

It would be wonderful if all residents, businesses and city departments would voluntarily clear the sidewalks of snow so that everyone could use them. But this is not the case in Newton. It seems now is the time to move forward to enact a residential sidewalk snow-clearing ordinance to push for safety and inclusion of all our residents.

Please everyone, let’s clear our sidewalks of snow! Thank you.

Maryan Amaral

Director, Citizens for Access Inc.

Newton
Published Newton TAB community newspapers on February 3, 2010, Editorials:

3 comments:

MamaVeeFebruary 10, 2010 at 2:07 PM
Thank you thank you! How can I help you. This is my biggest pet peeve with newton.
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CFAFebruary 11, 2010 at 7:07 AM
Thanks Mama. Yes, it is mine too. Our sidewalks are public and safety needs to be for everyone. We need to be able to get out of the street, let our children use our sidewalks. Would LOVE for your help.
Please email me at citizensforaccess@yahoo.com. The DPW is ontop of this issue now as well, and reading this blog. If you send pics, will try to post, or can visit the location. It is also great to call DPW and report curbcut and snow blocking by city plows (617)796-1000. Thanks!! Look forward to hearing more from you.
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wheelchairs : Manish Steel WorksJune 3, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to

read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
wheelchairs
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Americans with Disabilities Act and Sidewalks

This video speaks to questions about how the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act requires for all public entities (cities and towns) to take care of their sidewalks, free from obstructions.

Also mentions about the "Barton vs Sacramento" lawsuit. Obligation for city and towns to not only install curbcuts (curbramps) but also to remove barriers on sidewalks, including removing street furniture, low hanging barriers, sidewalks raised and buckled, etc. Agreed on an annual funding formula to address barriers. Used part of cities annual transportation funding to fix sidewalks.