On October 16, a group of volunteers agreed to work collectively to rebuild the Mattapoisett Disabilities Commission. An earlier version of the commission petered out after the loss of a prime mover of the group. Now the town and the newly re-established commission are picking up the pieces.
To that end, Assistant Town Administrator Katie Desrosiers guided the first meeting as the commission members acquainted themselves with one another and began discussions of possible ADA compliance goals moving forward.
The commission members are Teri Nelson, Lara Whyte, Beverly Baccelli, Charles McIntyre, Lauren Rosa, Joanna Ingham, Christopher Oliveira, Kate Brown, Diane Harlfinger, Stanley Cornwall, and Marilou Newell. Baccelli was selected as chairman, McIntyre as vice-chair, and Diana Harlfinger as secretary.
Desrosiers explained to the group that the town had received a grant from the state to conduct a self-evaluation and transition plan that brought to light such matters as public building accessibility and related concerns. The Institute for Human Center Design was engaged by the town to work with various departments in developing the self-evaluation. On November 12, a full presentation by the institute will be held at the Select Board meeting.
In its executive summary, which the institute issued in September, outdoor public spaces needing evaluation were identified and included bike path intersections, public beaches, Ned’s Point, Shipyard Park, and the town landing.
The GIS survey of the top five busiest intersections identified by the town’s safety officer are Tobey Lane at Main Street, Depot Street at Main Street, Church Street at Main Street, Pearl Street at Church Street, and Baptist Street at Church Street.
The summary further noted that the town should have a corrective action plan with ADA improvement projects being completed within a five year period.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco is the town’s designated ADA Coordinator. If you have questions or concerns regarding matters related to ADA compliance contact the Select Board and or Lorenco at 508-758-4100.
By Marilou Newell