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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 2000 Handicapped Parking Survey in the City of IthacaSURVEY JANUARY 2000 HANDICAPPED PARKING IN THE CITY OF ITHACA 50 surveys were retuned 1. When you are looking for parking space designated for people with disabilities, do you notice violators? 7 Never 28 Sometimes 4 mostly on rainy or stormy days (makes you wonder) 4 mostly the violators are at grocery stores and shopping malls + most of time a vehicle is parked wrong and takes up more than one spot 4 occasionally no permit; most commonly noted: a permit is located in a vehicle, but no disabled person is within the vehicle to utilize limited spaces for those in real need of the spaces 24 not often 12 Frequently *+usually in the parking lot at KMart, Tops, Wegman's, A &P on Triphammer Road *+ when weather is bad *+you can't tell about a person's disability, but then someone runs from the car to the store, you know they are OK. 2 Blank *+several times we have encountered vehicles with the driver sitting and not paying for his occupancy. This happens at P &C (Judd Falls) 2. Do you know where to report violations? 14 Yes 2 Yes? 33 No Police Department? Traffic Violations Bureau? I just tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot a telephone number would assist (easy to remember) by the time I could call anyone, they'll be gone 1 Blank 1 3a. Have you ever reported a violation? 3 Yes * I tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot 46 No have talked to the violators an was told to "mind your own business." Also spoke to office personnel at a major grocery store -- told the violators will be gone before the police will get here. by the time I phone, they'll be gone (no cellular) it hard enough to do what I have to do and I'm beat when I get home 1 Blank 3b. If so, what was the response? Police --good I only tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot By the time I could have called someone, the violator would be gone 4. In your experience is the number of designated parking spaces for people with disabilities adequate at the following destinations? Ithaca City Hall 19 Yes 14 No 10 Don't know 7 Blank Former Woolworth's parking lot 18 Yes 9 No 19 Don't know 4 Blank Green Street parking garage 12 Yes 6 No 27 Don't know * too expensive 5 Blank Seneca Street parking garage 11 Yes 5 No 28 Don't know 6 Blank 2 Dryden Road parking garage 4 Yes 5 No 36 Don't know 5 Blank Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) 6 Yes 9 No 30 Don't know 5 Blank Stewart Park 11 Yes 12 No 22 Don't know 5 Blank Cass Park 6 Yes 5 No 32 Don't know 7 Blank Alex Haley pool 3 Yes 7 No 35 Don't know 5 Blank Ithaca City Court /Police Station 11 Yes 11 No 22 Don't know 6 Blank Tompkins County Court House 11 Yes 12 No 22 Don't know 5 Blank Tompkins County Court Library 5 Yes 20 No 20 Don't know 5 Blank 3 Tompkins County Court Human Services Building 11 Yes 7 No 27 Don't know 5 Blank 6. Are there any lots listed in Question #5 that you did not know had designated spaces for handicapped permit holders? If so, which ones? Green Street parking garage Seneca Street parking garage Dryden Road parking garage Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) Stewart Park 3 Cass Park 2 Alex Haley pool 3 Ithaca City Court/Police Station 2 Tompkins County Court House Tompkins County Library City Hall (but I only go to see the City Clerk about once a year!) The parking garage Woolworth's Haven't thought about it -- assumed they all did since they are city property I assumed they all had spaces Don't have need very often N/A Have not tried to use them • 0. 30 Blank 7. Where, if anywhere, do you feel more designated spaces are needed, either on- street, metered, or in parking lots? Fair Street West Spencer Street East Spencer Street 4 On the street Metered parking Banks 3 Wegman's 4 Tops 2 Pyramid Mall 4! in the rear by Cinema /movies 2 KMart Former Woolworth's parking lot Green Street parking garage Seneca Street parking garage 0 Dryden Road parking garage Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) On Seneca Street in restaurant area 2 Stewart Park Cass Park Alex Haley Pool 2 Ithaca City Hall 2 Ithaca City Court/Police Station 3 Tompkins County Court House 4 Tompkins County Library Tompkins County Human Services Building Near funeral homes Catholic Church Ekherd's (Meadow Street) Around the Commons Cayuga Street On Aurora Street by Manhattan Bagels (on that block) Near DeWitt Mall Center Ithaca, particularly for The Cinema there Fall Creek Movie Theater One is NOT enough!! Haven't had permit very long Outside Alpha House at the corner of State Street and North Cayuga Street I try not to use my handicapped permit. I use it on very bad winter days or when my arthritis is really acting up Don't go over town very often 3 Don't Know 2 No 22 Blank 8a. When designated spaces have parking meters, do you experience difficulty using the meters - -such as inaccessible height or obstructed path of travel? 12 Yes 25 No 13 Blank 9 8b. Comments 10 winter related comments • only with occasional deep unshoveled snow • during winter snow is piled around meters and I can't get to them too good. • when it snows, the banks are so high its hard to put money in the meter (so you just get a ticket) • snow banks are a problem • in winter snow is so piled around meters you can't get to them • snow removal is piled around meter - -- difficult to reach meter and dangerous to climb over snowbank • has nothing to do with my disability (heart trouble) — but there's tons of snow around metered spaces and it's hard • in winter, very difficult to get to meter due to snow /ice /excess water especially in the winter time snow bound Sometimes meters are out of order But they are frequently not functional. So often that I wondered whether the city was offering free parking to the handicapped Difficult to read Area surrounding the meter would safely insure disabled access to the meter and sidewalk if a section of the curb was removed ex: sidewalks at an intersection At some. Mostly I can handle it My wife can handle that for me I do not drive, so my driver takes care of the meters Generally travel on Gadabout Not at this point 32 Blank 9. Other comments about parking designated for people with disabilities? • Some seem to walk all right. Don't know how they got sticker. • Shopping malls need more nearer stores. Parking garages are too far from stores on Commons to walk, so can only use a few times a year J-6 Merchants should be encouraged to provide more designated parking areas 4 The handicapped parking may be set up for one auto per block or two — there should be more set up per metered and side streets without [meters] 0 Snow removal is piled around meter — difficult to reach meter and dangerous to climb over snow bank. I know it's not in the city, but Cayuga Medical Center could use more handicapped parking places It is wonderful that people with disabilities are considered as often it is an effort if not I have a disability parking permit that I use when my friend drives me. I don't own a car any more and I don't drive. Overall, we do manage pretty well. Seem to be adequate Don't use the permit very often as my sister takes me and she has her own — use mine when I don't have this driver. I do appreciate having my own permit. Very useful - -Thank you. Overall, the city is quite accessible to those of us who are disabled We see a lot of temporary permits being used with expired dates I feel there should be more, there are more people with disabilities than we all realize I would like to see some type of payment program that people with disabilities do not have to repeatedly return to parking meters to insert coins for additional parking time. Have had my permit only a short time and with bad weather have not driven much Never use my handicapped permit as Filomena didn't recover from her illness. I will destroy the permit. Stewart Park doesn't have enough at and around the bathrooms More accessibility to lower lift on vehicle I don't always know where the handicap meters are located in the city of Ithaca. Is there one in each block or how are they designated? I am glad that the city has made designated parking for the disabled people like myself. But there is a lot of misuse done by people who don't have permits, who are being inconsiderate. Have none, unless in ain. I don't always use the permit; only when necessary. Very often the space is obstructed by a vehicle taking up too much space, especially by Cayuga Medical Center and the connected Medical Building. Or snow not plowed good enough so all spaces can be used. Also, places such as where I live at West Village Apartments, there are NO handicapped parking. Due to the fact I can't walk long distances, especially with groceries or laundry, it is very difficult for me. There have been many times when I have had to not only walk, but carry heavy things great distances because people park in front of my apartment, and quite often take up all the close spots. Many times people take up more than one spot. It would help so much if there are designated parking spots for each of the handicapped people that live here that was close to their apartment. Maybe with their apartment number, name, or license on it. I feel very badly when shopping carts are left in handicapped areas. Why didn't you ask about private space where there aren't enough? ie: Wegman's, Pyramid Mall 7 The spaces are not always excessively convenient to the entrances to locations. I, as a handicapped person, become very discouraged when people misuse the privileges that come with handicapped parking, while those of us that sincerely need handicapped privileges /parking are constantly denied the safety that we should be provided with. The wheelchair driver I saw last week had a pick up with a mechanism that lifted the chair and placed it in a stall in his pick up. That observation was at Wegman's with zebra stripes on both sides of a vehicle separate for right (passenger) and left (driver), but those occur only in the Woolworth's lot or in the Covered malls. Numbers on meters should be brighter (neon green ?) and larger. Meters should accept cards purchased by local people who don't want to fumble for change. (Swipe when park /swipe when leave ? ?) ($25 card) More at the corner on Seneca Street, near Post Office. Also at corner of Buffalo and Tioga Streets near large buildings or near the banks. OK as far as I'm concerned Julie: sorry not to be of more help, but at 74 lh years of age, there aren't too many places I have to park at except the golf course, the bowling alley, grocery stores, doctors' offices, and available public restrooms (in emergencies!) There's no attempt to "joke" about the answers (except to Julie). I'm sure some of the handicapped (mine is emphysema) are running into problems, judging by the shopping places! Larry: The problem with the city's street parking is that we can be ticketed for parking a vehicle too far from the curb (more than 12 inches). At the library and DeWitt and Cayuga Street handicapped parking spaces, no zebra stripes show that it is necessary for a driver to open the car door its full width to bring down a chair or even to descend with both feet facing the curb. "Normal" drivers descend on one foot facing forward and twist to step up on the curb - -- impossible for a person who needs a ramp or sloping lawn /margin to move onto the sidewalk. Have not had the permit long enough to answer these questions 19 Blank f t a U".1-1 /�Sl JI JANUARY 2000 HANDICAPPED PARKING IN THE CITY OF ITHACA L When you are looking for parldng space designated for people with disabilities, do you notice violators? 7 Never 28 Sometimes 46 mostly on rainy or stormy days (makes you wonder) d• mostly the violators are at grocery stores and shopping malls 46 most of time a vehicle is parked wrong and takes up more than one spot 4 occasionally no permit; most commonly noted: a permit is located in a vehicle, but no disabled person is within the vehicle to utilize limited spaces for those in real need of the spaces 2 •R not often 12 Frequently 46usually in the parking lot at KMart, Tops, Wegman's, A &P on Triphammer Road when weather is bad 4 you can't tell about a person's disability, but then someone runs from the car to the store, you know they are OK. 2 Blank 46several times we have encountered vehicles with the driver sitting and not paying for his occupancy. This happens at P &C (Judd Falls) 2. Do you know where to report violations? 14 Yes 2 Yes? 4 Police Department? 416 Traffic Violations Bureau? 33 No 4 I just tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot 46 a telephone number would assist (easy to remember) 4, by the time I could call anyone, they'll be gone 1 Blank 5,0 (e4L�-f Yl ,�-a 3a. Have you ever reported a violation? 3 Yes 4- I tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot 46 No have talked to the violators an was told to "mind your own business." Also spoke to office personnel at a major grocery store -- told the violators will be gone before the police will get here. 4- by the time I phone, they'll be gone (no cellular) 4 it hard enough to do what I have to do and I'm beat when I get home 1 Blank 3b. If so, what was the response? Police --good I only tell the business if the violation is in a parking lot 4 By the time I could have called someone, the violator would be gone 4. In your experience is the number of designated parking spaces for people with disabilities adequate at the following destinations? Ithaca City Hall 19 Yes 14 No 10 Don't know 7 Blank Former Woolworth's parking lot 18 Yes 9 No 19 Don't know 4 Blank Green Street parking garage 12 Yes 6 No 27 Don't know 46 too expensive 5 Blank Seneca Street parking garage 11 Yes 5 No 28 Don't know 6 Blank Page 2 Dryden Road parking garage 4 Yes 5 No 36 Don't know 5 Blank Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) 6 Yes 9 No 30 Don't know 5 Blank Stewart Park 11 Yes 12 No 22 Don't know 5 Blank Cass Park 6 Yes 5 No 32 Don't know 7 Blank Alex Haley pool 3 Yes 7 No 35 Don't know 5 Blank Ithaca City Court /Police Station 11 Yes 11 No 22 Don't know 6 Blank Tompkins County Court House 11 Yes 12 No 22 Don't know 5 Blank Tompkins County Court Library 5 Yes 20 No 20 Don't know 5 Blank Page 3 Tompkins County Court Human Services Building 11 Yes 7 No 27 Don't know 5 Blank 6. Are there any lots listed in Question #5 that you did not know had designated spaces for handicapped permit holders? If so, which ones? Green Street parking garage Seneca Street parking garage Dryden Road parking garage Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) Stewart Park 3 Cass Park 2 Alex Haley pool 3 Ithaca City Court/Police Station 2 Tompkins County Court House Tompkins County Library City Hall (but I only go to see the City Clerk about once a year!) The parking garage Woolworth's Haven't thought about it -- assumed they all did since they are city property I assumed they all had spaces Don't have need very often N/A Have not tried to use them 9 No 30 Blank 7. Where, if anywhere, do you feel more designated spaces are needed, either on- street, metered, or in parking lots? Fair Street West Spencer Street East Spencer Street 4 On the street Metered parking Banks 3 Wegman's 4 Tops 2 Pyramid Mall A in the rear by Cinema /movies 2 KMart Former Woolworth's parking lot Green Street parking garage Seneca Street parking garage Page 4 Dryden Road parking garage Seneca Street parking lot (site of the former Strand Theater) On Seneca Street in restaurant area 2 Stewart Park Cass Park Alex Haley Pool 2 Ithaca City Hall 2 Ithaca City Court/Police Station 3 Tompkins County Court House 4 Tompkins County Library Tompkins County Human Services Building Near funeral homes Catholic Church Ekherd's (Meadow Street) Around the Commons Cayuga Street On Aurora Street by Manhattan Bagels (on that block) Near DeWitt Mall Center Ithaca, particularly for The Cinema there Fall Creek Movie Theater One is NOT enough!! Haven't had permit very long Outside Alpha House at the corner of State Street and North Cayuga Street I try not to use my handicapped permit. I use it on very bad winter days or when my arthritis is really acting up Don't go over town very often 3 Don't Know 2 No 22 Blank 8a. When designated spaces have parking meters, do you experience difficulty using the meters - -such as inaccessible height or obstructed path of travel? 12 Yes 25 No 13 Blank Page 5 Sb. Comments 10 winter related comments • only with occasional deep unshoveled snow • during winter snow is piled around meters and I can't get to them too good. • when it snows, the banks are so high its hard to put money in the meter (so you just get a ticket) • snow banks are a problem • in winter snow is so piled around meters you can't get to them • snow removal is piled around meter — difficult to reach meter and dangerous to climb over snowbank 4 has nothing to do with my disability (heart trouble) — but there's tons of snow around metered spaces and it's hard • in winter, very difficult to get to meter due to snow /ice /excess water • especially in the winter time • snowbound Sometimes meters are out of order But they are frequently not functional. So often that I wondered whether the city was offering free parking to the handicapped Difficult to read Area surrounding the meter would safely insure disabled access to the meter and sidewalk if a section of the curb was removed ex: sidewalks at an intersection At some. Mostly I can handle it My wife can handle that for me I do not drive, so my driver takes care of the meters Generally travel on Gadabout Not at this point 32 Blank 9. Other comments about parking designated for people with disabilities? • Some seem to walk all right. Don't know how they got sticker. • Shopping malls need more nearer stores. Parking garages are too far from stores on Commons to walk, so can only use a few times a year 4 Merchants should be encouraged to provide more designated parking areas Page 6 -16 The handicapped parking may be set up for one auto per block or two — there should be more set up per metered and side streets without [meters] 4 Snow removal is piled around meter — difficult to reach meter and dangerous to climb over snow bank. A I know it's not in the city, but Cayuga Medical Center could use more handicapped parking places It is wonderful that people with disabilities are considered as often it is an effort if not I have a disability parking permit that I use when my friend drives me. I don't own a car any more and I don't drive. Overall, we do manage pretty well. Seem to be adequate Don't use the permit very often as my sister takes me and she has her own — use mine when I don't have this driver. I do appreciate having my own permit. Very useful —Thank you. Overall, the city is quite accessible to those of us who are disabled We see a lot of temporary permits being used with expired dates I feel there should be more, there are more people with disabilities than we all realize I would like to see some type of payment program that people with disabilities do not have to repeatedly return to parking meters to insert coins for additional parking time. Have had my permit only a short time and with bad weather have not driven much Never use my handicapped permit as Filomena didn't recover from her illness. I will destroy the permit. Stewart Park doesn't have enough at and around the bathrooms More accessibility to lower lift on vehicle I don't always know where the handicap meters are located in the city of Ithaca. Is there one in each block or how are they designated? I am glad that the city has made designated parking for the disabled people like myself. But there is a lot of misuse done by people who don't have permits, who are being inconsiderate. Have none, unless in pain. I don't always use the permit; only when necessary. Very often the space is obstructed by a vehicle taking up too much space, especially by Cayuga Medical Center and the connected Medical Building. Or snow not plowed good enough so all spaces can be used. Also, places such as where I live at West Village Apartments, there are NO handicapped parking. Due to the fact I can't walk long distances, especially with groceries or laundry, it is very difficult for me. There have been many times when I have had to not only walk, but carry heavy things great distances because people park in front of my apartment, and quite often take up all the close spots. Many times people take up more than one spot. It would Page 7 help so much if there are designated parking spots for each of the handicapped people that live here that was close to their apartment. Maybe with their apartment number, name, or license on it. I feel very badly when shopping carts are left in handicapped areas. Why didn't you ask about private space where there aren't enough? ie: Wegman's, Pyramid Mall The spaces are not always excessively convenient to the entrances to locations. I, as a handicapped person, become very discouraged when people misuse the privileges that come with handicapped parking, while those of us that sincerely need handicapped privileges /parking are constantly denied the safety that we should be provided with. The wheelchair driver I saw last week had a pick up with a mechanism that lifted the chair and placed it in a stall in his pick up. That observation was at Wegman's with zebra stripes on both sides of a vehicle separate for right (passenger) and left (driver), but those occur only in the Woolworth's lot or in the Covered malls. Numbers on meters should be brighter (neon green ?) and larger. Meters should accept cards purchased by local people who don't want to fumble for change. (Swipe when park /swipe when leave ? ?) ($25 card) More at the corner on Seneca Street, near Post Office. Also at corner of Buffalo and Tioga Streets near large buildings or near the banks. OK as far as I'm concerned Julie: sorry not to be of more help, but at 74 V2 years of age, there aren't too many places I have to park at except the golf course, the bowling alley, grocery stores, doctors' offices, and available public restrooms (in emergencies!) There's no attempt to "joke" about the answers (except to Julie). I'm sure some of the handicapped (mine is emphysema) are running into problems, judging by the shopping places! Larry: The problem with the city's street parking is that we can be ticketed for parking a vehicle too far from the curb (more than 12 inches). At the library and DeWitt and Cayuga Street handicapped parking spaces, no zebra stripes show that it is necessary for a driver to open the car door its full width to bring down a chair or even to descend with both feet facing the curb. "Normal" drivers descend on one foot facing forward and twist to step up on the curb - -- impossible for a person who needs a ramp or sloping lawn /margin to move onto the sidewalk. Have not had the permit long enough to answer these questions 19 Blank Page 8