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Each year near the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26, 1990) I reflect on the progress my community has made in making our part of the State more accessible. Here are this year's top cheers and jeers.
Cheers:
· The City of Alpena for the redevelopment of Culligan Plaza. After a few setbacks, including a loud call from citizens to reconsider the original proposed design, we now have an accessible community space. As part of that project, we also are blessed with accessible public restrooms.
· The City of Alpena for the completion of the accessible restrooms at Bayview Park. This park can now be more fully enjoyed by everyone. We are fortunate we have the amphitheater, with paved areas near the stage, for the many community events that happen there. I appreciated the City holding off Blackwater NE from having any sort of control of this public space for their profit.
Jeers
· Posen Potato Festival on this week's announcement regarding a Blackwater NE concert as part of the annual festival. "We welcome all individuals. There will be an area reserved for wheelchair accessibility with the purchase of a general admission ticket." Ticket prices range from $38- $160. The ADA says if tiered pricing is used accessible seating must be offered at each level in proportion to all tickets offered.
· The Alpena DDA and Target for their unfulfilled promise to provide an accessible space for shopping, eating, and socializing at Water Street Commons. Rough, uneven, bumpy turf remains, the eating area has so called "disability friendly furniture" instead of something of universal design, and the area has deep ruts in the transitions between pavement and the grassy area.
Diane Bauer
Alpena