Council OKs pattern for another 2 months

Downtown handicap spaces removed, redundancy with law cited

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — City Council members passed a motion Monday that adopted the experimental traffic pattern through the downtown business district for an additional 60 days, and raised questions about the removal of several handicap parking spaces. The changing of the traffic pattern through downtown, which has been praised and scrutinized by residents since it was first adopted during an extensive paving project in August, required the removal of several handicap parking spaces. The absence of these spaces concerned both city councilors and business owners, who worried it could pose a problem for disabled members of the community, something Councilor Kim Dembrosky said had already been considered. “I would like to point out this ordinance change doesn’t affect the use of designated handicapped spots, just so people are aware,” said Ms. Dembrosky. “Removing those spaces still allows handicapped people to park at any metered spot in the downtown and they will not be towed or ticketed unless it is illegal. This will open up more spaces in the downtown allowing people to park closer to businesses.” Although all of the councilors agreed to the current pattern, Councilor Scott Graves said he wasn’t completely sold on the idea. “My only concern with this is that I’m not sure all handicapped persons are going to realize that they have the right to park in a metered location without having to spend money at the meter,” said Mr. Graves. “That is the only thing that concerns me with this.” According to Councilor Roger Jaillet, disabled residents are informed of the rules and regulations that coincide with parking when they apply for handicapped plates. “In the state of Massachusetts whether you have a handicapped plate or a sign you hang in your car, you get a letter that covers parking.” Also in favor of the traffic extension was Councilor James Minns, who said residents with specialized plates shouldn’t worry about tickets downtown. “My understanding is that if you have handicapped plates or stickers that the police will never touch you,” said Mr. Minns. “They will just drive on by.” Although the ordinance was passed, Councilor Joshua Cormier said he still had some reservations about whether or not a traffic light is necessary at the intersection and recommended that another public forum be held that would allow for additional community feedback. “This has been enacted for roughly a month now, if this thing goes through for another 60 days, I think it would be wise for the city to hold another public forum, maybe one that is a little better advertised this time,” said Mr. Cormier. “To get some feedback from people who are drivers so they can say ‘this is what we want,’ ‘this is what we like, and this is what we don’t.’” A second motion passed at the meeting mandated during the 60 day extension, the traffic pattern be referred back to the traffic commission for further review. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 9/16/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 219)