Sidewalk Wheelchair Ramps-CDBG-FY2019-WF5-28-2019Need
Many of our sidewalks and public paths either have no ramps at intersecting streets or, far more common, were done years ago and do not meet current ADA standards. This makes access
difficult for those with mobility disabilities (e.g., in wheelchairs) and those with visual disabilities (e.g., blind or severely sight impaired). The areas chosen are most used for
journey to commercial areas and to schools, journeys that for many, especially lower income residents, have no alternative route. Need assessment came from five sources:
Walk/Bike Northampton, City of Northampton Pedestrian & Bicycle Comprehensive Plan (Alta Planning & Design, 2017, adopted by the Northampton Planning Board as part of the City’s comprehensive
plan). The plan creates policy directions, including improving accessibility.
Public Sidewalk Inventory Analysis (Alta Planning & Design, 2018). The analysis includes an assessment of all sidewalk wheelchair ramps.
Open Space, Recreation, and Multiuse Rail Trail Plan (Planning & Sustainability) 2018, adopted by the Planning Board as part of the City’s comprehensive plan and endorsed by City Council,
Committee on Disabilities, Transportation and Parking Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Conservation Commission). The plan includes a Section 504 Rehabilitation Act
assessment of recreation accessibility needs.
Community Health Inclusion Index (Healthy Hampshire, 2019) provided stakeholder interviews to collect more data on recreation accessibility needs.
ADA Transition Plan (updated by Committee on Disabilities, 2019) helped advance the conversation about accessibility and connections.
Revised Scope of Services
We estimate that we will be able to install 30 accessible wheelchair ramps, but we will not know the exact number until we go to bid.
Time table
Engineering- August 2019-November 2019
Construction bid and contracting December 2019-February 2019
Construction- April 2019-June 2019
Performance Measurements
Number of wheelchair ramps installed
Revised proposed number to be served
The project will serve all of those with mobility and sight disabilities.
Outcomes
We will not only make the target improvements accessible, but in identifying gaps on longer journeys the project will make longer journeys accessible.
Budget
Design and construction administration (consulting engineer) $20,000
Construction $90,000
In addition, we will be matching our CDBG funds with:
A MassDOT Safe Routes to School grant which will be funding additional improvements at the Bridge Street School district and is coordinated with this project.
Other donations and traffic mitigation funds.