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Date: 9/26/2023
EASTHAMPTON — According to a new report, Easthampton will need to work on its accessibility to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors with accessibility issues.
At the Sept. 20 City Council meeting, Eli Damon, a member of the Commission on Disability, gave a detailed report on the accessibility issues throughout the city, which cause residents to feel unsafe while moving about the city.
The results of the survey showed that most issues centered around the transportation network of the city, including issues with sidewalks and roadways. Many respondents noted that sidewalks are too narrow, not maintained and/or don’t have curb cuts to allow for wheelchairs. In addition, respondents were concerned about overgrown vegetation limiting their sight lines or even not having sidewalks in needed areas. They also noted issues with appropriate parking areas, lack of public transportation options and inadequate bathroom facilities in public areas.
“This is a problem that doesn’t have an easy fix,” said Damon. He asked everyone to join together to brainstorm possible solutions.
Councilor Owen Zaret noted that the current infrastructure of Easthampton, as well as many other cities and towns, is “just not well equipped to adapt to obvious needs.”
While Councilor Koni Denham encouraged residents to be advocates for more funding at the state level, Councilor Brad Riley noted that these improvements would not help only those with accessibility concerns.
“We have the capability to work toward these solutions,” said Riley. “This would benefit every single person in our community.”
The commission received 69 responses to its recent survey, a higher-than-expected number. The survey feedback will be used to better guide projects around the city, apply for grants to make improvements and help ensure more equitable policy in the city.
In other news, the council moved forward with several amendments and appropriations.
Councilors approved moving forward with a zoning amendment that would allow certain areas of the city to seek approval for not having parking areas for their businesses. Councilor Salem Derby explained that there are essentially “dead zones” in the city now where new businesses couldn’t be put in because of zoning regulations. This amendment will let the city look at these on a case-by-case basis.
Easthampton will use $400,000 of its Community Preservation Act funds to help rehabilitate and refurbish the pool and its surrounding areas at Nonotuck Park. Some of that construction is already happening and it must be completed by June 1.
“The CPA is being used as it was intended,” explained Councilor Daniel Rist, who noted that he is especially pleased to see the revamping of the pool when the summers seem to bring more hot days now.
Finally, the council voted to approve a petition to lower the speed limit on Route 5. The petition will ask for the speed limit to be lowered by 10 miles per hour in all sections. The move comes after fatalities on the road. In addition, the state will install two crosswalks along the street. Those are set for October.