The Commission on Disability is among those pushing for funding to install a handrail for the sloped walkway at the front of the library. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Commission on Disability at its Monday night meeting discussed pursuing new funding opportunities for accessibility improvements to the library, rebounding after its Community Preservation Committee request for about $47,000 was shot down.

The CPC request had been made jointly by the Commission on Disability, the library and the Historic District Commission. The proponents sought $47,114 for accessibility improvements at the Main Street entrance. They proposed allocations of $27,114 for a handrail for the sloped walkway and $20,000 for push-button accessibility for the front door.

CPC funding was sought from the historical bucket, one of four areas designated by the Community Preservation Act. Under the CPA that was signed in 2000, Massachusetts communities may add a surcharge on top of their local property taxes to fund open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and affordable housing projects. The current rate for Hopkinton is 2%. At least 10% of CPA funding must be spent on each of these four categories, with the rest available for any category. The CPC administers the allocation of these funds based on submitted proposals.

CPC chair Ken Weismantel explained in November that allocating funding through the historical preservation bucket “may be a bit of a stretch” after checking with town counsel. While the building dates back to the late 1800s, the addition was completed in 2017.

COD and Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch said she thought the “bottom line” for the denial was town counsel’s letter.

But what inflamed members was a comment made at that meeting by CPC vice chair Eric Sonnett. He said “the majority of your people come through the side” because that’s where the two accessible parking spaces are.

Danielle Cook, the library’s reference and technology supervisor, said she was “flabbergasted” by that remark.

“I was like, there’s only two spaces back there,” said chair Holly Morand. “So only two people with accessibility needs can use them. And the front door should just work.”

Added Morand: “Why do we only have to do the minimum?”

Cook pointed out at the CPC meeting that there are several requests made each day at the library for help with the front door. A recent library survey showed that one-sixth of the 65,000 library patrons used the front door over the past year.

Morand pointed out that accessibility via the library’s front door “was the number one issue” that came out of the commission’s in-person forum a year ago.

After the CPC denial, Morand reached out to Town Manager Elaine Lazarus. She said Lazarus told her that state Rep. James Arena-DeRosa requested an earmark in the state budget for the proposed improvements. If approved, Morand said it likely would be for $20,000.

In addition, Morand is working on a municipal access grant request to the Massachusetts Office on Disability. Morand and Cook also co-wrote a grant request from the American Library Association to fund the railing.

Accessibility issues discussed

This discussion prompted a deeper dive into accessibility issues in town. Morand pointed out that some people think accessibility needs are met by relegating people with disabilities to back or side door entrances. Vice chair Alex Danahy used Town Hall as an example, calling it “a lack of foresight by the town.”

That evening, he said snow partially covered the accessible space where he parked that night, making his vehicle stick out.

Danahy also said he doesn’t use the library “literally for that reason” of having to go in the side door.

“People don’t understand the amount of energy that takes,” he continued. When the accessible spaces are taken, people with disabilities have to park further back, which he said defeats the concept of accessibility. He also noted that the accessible parking space at the Town Common had not been shoveled or plowed, making it “useless.”

Said Danahy: “No matter where you go, people who plow businesses or [town] places always pile snow there. It’s ridiculous.”

“They do it the next day or not at all,” noted member Nancy “Punky” Drawe about clearing snow from accessible spaces.

Another issue raised was the budget request for an adaptive playground at the Marathon School. The proposal has received a tepid response from some because of its location on school property.

COD member and School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh pointed out that some people have said that pieces of adaptive equipment should be placed at playgrounds throughout town. This cannot be done because of surfacing requirements.

“A big piece that has come up in this conversation is that people are saying that the playgrounds are ADA compliant,” she said. “But they don’t allow for peers to be playing side by side in the way the adaptive playground would.”

She added that the Adaptive Playground Committee considered dozens of sites. It eventually chose the Marathon School because of its level topography.

This issue was tabled because it was not on the agenda. It will be raised again at the next meeting on March 24.

Commission tackles priorities

Danahy said he will reach out to HCAM-TV, the town’s public access cable station, regarding a video series he proposed on the challenges of accessibility in town. Earlier in the meeting, he mentioned sidewalk areas downtown that are covered by ice and snow, making this an opportune time to engage the public. Ritterbusch agreed that showing challenging situations “could be illustrated better with videos.”

The deadline on the Handle with Care survey is going to be extended to gather more community feedback. This is a program where people with disabilities or older residents can notify first responders in advance about medical conditions and issues they may encounter during an emergency event. For example, flashing lights and sirens can trigger panic attacks in people who are neurodivergent, as well as epileptic seizures.

Engaging commissions on disability in other towns in a group virtual meeting was another suggestion, as well as featuring guest speakers.

Ritterbusch also suggested applying for a community transit grant. Morand noted people have expressed “an increasing need for transportation services,”

The commission hopes to present their progress at a June Select Board meeting.

Danahy featured in television broadcast

Danahy was featured on WCVB-TV that night for his role in assisting a team of more than 200 adaptive athletes who will compete in the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21. The wheelchair division will celebrate 50 years participating in the race. Danahy will be attending to their hydration and food needs.

He has volunteered for the Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the Boston Marathon, since he was a teenager. Danahy also was named team captain for Hopkinton, leading a group of about 15 volunteers.