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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2006-02-01 Disability Advisory Council February 1, 2006 Minutes Present Larry Roberts, Chair George Eberhart, DAC Christen Bonacci, DAC Liz Phelps Caissa Willmer, DAC Robin Korherr, Common Council, DAC liaison Leslie Chatterton, Planning and Development, DAC liaison Greg Grizewski, DAC John Ortiz, DAC David McElrath, DAC & BPAC Marybeth Liberator, guest JoAnn Cornish, Planning and Development, guest The meeting began with a discussion with Joann Cornish of the pedestrian concerns in front of the new hotel on Seneca. The courtesy van pull-off presents hazards, especially for the blind who cannot detect where the sidewalk swerves around that pull-off. It was determined that the area is partly the responsibility of the state (as Seneca is a state thoroughfare) and partly the responsibility of hotel owner, Ciminelli, and that the city doesn't own any part of the property. It was put to Ciminelli that a row of planters could serve as a tangible as well as visible guide to the curving route, but Ciminelli has refused to consider that option. The question will be going back to the City Planning Board for discussion. It was also mentioned that a nearby bike rack was also a potential hazard for the blind; it was determined that it is a BPAC bike rack, and BPAC rep. David. McElrath. said he'd talk to the BPAC about the bike rack; Larry Roberts qill write a letter to JoAnn about the bike rack obstruction of the path of travel. Next, Robin Korherr spoke of a plan to work with 8 students from the Ithaca College Public Relations Lab. They will develop a public information/public relations campaign about snow and ice removal and about pedestrian safety. The students would work on "branding"the issue and acquiring as much media coverage as possible—using newspapers, radio, TV, flyers, etc. David McElrath brought up his concern that the size of the fines for snow-removal neglect were too low, but his concern was allayed when Robin Korherr clarified that the fines start at$40 and rise steeply day by day and may actually come to as much as $500 or more should the city have to come in to remove the snow. Unpaid fines would go on the property owners tax bill. Next, reference was made to city asst. engineer Lynne Yost's e-mail concerning plans for this year's curb cut/ramp construction and what recommendations we should make. Larry Roberts suggested looking at the Fall Creek neighborhood. George Eberhart. recommended that the route from Titus Towers to the center of town should have some priority as many of the residents walk that way daily. Larry Roberts pointed out that the city planned to start with the ramps due in 2005 but not completed and suggested that the TT route should come next, and that a survey of the needs in Fall Creek should be taken so that recommendations could be made to Ms. Yost. A special concern was raised about the corner at Seneca and Cayuga where water tends to accumulate—and therefore, slush and ice as well. Larry Roberts spoke of a problematic curb ramp at the Octopus; the DPW is submitting a request to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency(IURA) to fund the project to fix the problem. He also mentioned that the city is committed to putting in sidewalks on Elmira Rd. and suggested that Bill Gray, Superintendent of Public Works,be invited to talk about those plans. Greg Gizewski. asked us to consider the alley at Center Ithaca and its projected extension, especially as it affected access for wheelchirs such as his. He had experienced some barriers and foresees problems. Larry Roberts asked us to look ahead to the rest of 2006 and recommended: Completion of the downtown accessibility map and that we meet with the IURA earlier in 2006 to give input to the identifying of needs for HUD money. Greg wanted to know how the new development on Greene St. was going to affect access to buses and more. Someone brought up the fact that the doors to the Museum of the Earth don't have blue buttons for opening them. Greg asked about accessibility concerns for the Ithaca Festival, and LR said that there is now a permitting process in place that should address access issues; but that we'll need to follow-up. And Larry Roberts brought the meeting to a close Downtown Ithaca Accessibility Map-Survey Progress E:?L—)IL-11 D-10 DID F7J 12 D nLI i S GENEVA ST N GENEVA ST IF, L—J F L2 z m c i z C. 0 �j UGA N CAYUGA ST w, m m U, m m7 z S. P 'T! COMMONS fL • N AURORA ST M L • co C, 7P 03 L -J _q --i F LF • Fl- Survey Completed P, A survey Not Completed r • CD lit doe- AGENDA �a✓✓� � '' Lk c�, G►c �o rst� DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL March 1, 2006 Introductions Minutes Curbramp recommendations Access Map Update on meeting with IC media lab students Discussion of issues Other li(its I owe✓5 l�H��"S Ca�cw�r G �5�' Doti►dace of v`►on� 2:00 �al-f►nl�s � rM•���f�ons �vL .ro-t,e � � tia�✓d �v �¢o�(� mpto t 941P41AWitt '. !sC l5 • �r+ � Gf pdakaI�N "rocs walk ?