Menino record on access not too good

Posted by John B. Kelly

The Menino administration's indifference to access

• Opposed the Americans with Disabilities Act in federal court (Barden vs. Sacramento)
• Took money intended for the repair of sidewalks and put it into a slush fund to extend its own operating expenses. Still has not accounted for all the money, still ignores patched sidewalks that it promised to repair.
• Never developed any plan to increase access throughout the city.
• Much of downtown is completely inaccessible, busily traveled sidewalks and intersections are broken up and lack ramps
• Unsuccessfully tried to convince a State Superior Court judge that a Huntington Avenue sidewalk did not belong to it during work it had contracted out (maybe we should all try this at home, and say in a pinch that our house and property belongs to the guy painting our house or exterminating termites)
• Has refused to maintain access during construction. Department of Public Works Commissioner Joseph Casazza said at a September 29 meeting that he "trusts the good sense of his supervisors."
• Does not shovel snow from curb ramps
• Does not inspect resurfaced streets and reconstructed sidewalks and ramps. Much of it is not in compliance.
• Breaks promises
• Does not respond to citizen input
• Continues to lay down brick that is dangerous for everyone with a disability or unsure on their feet.