Date: Fri 23-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Booth-Library-accessible-Beres

Full Text:

Council Meets At The Library Despite Accessibility Questions

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Is the "ramp" at the Cyrenius H. Booth Library handicapped accessible?

The answer to that question has not fully been answered, yet. Nevertheless,

the Legislative Council conducted its regular meeting there Wednesday night.

It was the first public meeting at the newly renovated library since it opened

nearly two weeks ago.

First Selectman Herb Rosenthal has been trying to find an answer to the

handicapped accessibility question since Wendy Beres first voiced her concerns

three weeks ago. At this point, it appears that the sidewalk in question is an

"access way," not a "ramp." Town Engineer Ron Bolder recently took

measurements of the sidewalk in making that determination.

"As far as I understand, the ramp is in compliance," Mr Rosenthal said.

Nevertheless, Mr Rosenthal agrees with Mrs Beres that the sidewalk can be

difficult for handicapped people to access, so he is looking into ways to make

it more accessible. That might mean a complete renovation of the ramp area,

adding to the overall cost of the library project.

"It's one thing to be in compliance, it's another to make it easy for

handicapped persons to get in and out," he said.

In addition, there are still lingering concerns over the steep sloped

handicapped parking lot area, which Mrs Beres has also protested. Because of

these two issues, Mr Rosenthal has opted not to hold his selectmen meetings at

the library until things are resolved.

The council, however, has decided to hold its meetings there. The first

selectman told council chairman Pierre Rochman that it was his call.

"After talking with the first selectman, it was my impression that there is

only one person that is questioning the accessibility, and that's Wendy

Beres," said Mr Rochman on Tuesday.

Mr Rochman said the building itself is probably the most accessible public

building in town and felt it was unreasonable to expect the town not to use

it.

Mrs Beres claims an independent surveyor also measured the sidewalk and found

it to be inaccessible. However, he has refused to certify his work, meaning

she has no proof.

"I hope the town is right," she said. "If they have a meeting without fully

complying with the state code, they're in deep trouble. Members of the council

are taking a chance. They could be sued for civil rights violations."

Mrs Beres said she is concerned that once the council holds its meeting there,

all other boards will follow suit and then "everyone's neck is in a noose."

"You put a rubber tire on the brick (alongside the sidewalk) and you can kiss

that wheelchair goodbye," Mrs Beres said.

The state's Freedom of Information (FOI) Commission recently ruled that

because the building has received its certificate of occupancy, the town would

not likely be in violation. The interior of the building is fully accessible

to handicapped persons.