Sidewalk Show Down: Handicap accessibility and issues with village sidewalks 

Near S. Clinton & Spring St. “Basically this is impassable for a person and a light wheelchair without assistance from somebody,” Glenn Buckmaster explained. “You may be able to make it through on the way down but not on the way back. Only a tricky flying start may get you up and over it.” Photo credit Tina Mullins.

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Riddle: Where do grass, cracks and weeds form a barrier?

Answer: On sidewalks where those using walkers or wheelchairs try to traverse.

When residents expressed concern about sidewalk and crosswalk conditions in the Village of Stockbridge, this reporter enlisted the investigative aid of residents Marty Patrick and Glenn Buckmaster. As a wheelchair-using world traveler for many years, Buckmaster possessed a special perspective in identifying and gauging mobility issues.

“Stockbridge is pretty decent as far as getting around, the outside sidewalks and those around the town square have just a few problem areas,” he pointed out. Then he went on. “Probably more of an issue is the interior layout of a couple of the businesses. Obviously not a lot of room for adjustment, but the layout makes it where you have to be perfect as a driver of a power chair, or you can easily run into things.” He speculated that the cramped conditions could be “just the nature of small town businesses.”

Marty Patrick cited issues that ranged from property owners failing to maintain the edging of their sidewalks in front of their homes. This includes removing grass from cracks and cutting back overgrown shrubs and trees that inhibit sidewalk passage. In some cases, he said, whole sections of sidewalk were missing.

Thankfully, help is on the way. The July 2019 Stockbridge Township meeting minutes state that the Village, DDA (Downtown Development Authority) and Township have agreed to upgrade village sidewalks to American with Disabilities Act standards.

Molly Howlett, village president, invited this reporter to tour the town with her in order to discuss specific accessibility concerns, while simultaneously outlining the village’s mobility and accessibility projects.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will oversee a three-phase project starting late August. First up is adding a push button blinking light to create a safer crosswalk at the downtown intersection near Hungry Howie’s and Mugg & Bopps.

The second and third phase, scheduled to begin in early 2020, includes making the sidewalks from M-52/Clinton Street to Green Road ADA compliant.

Howlett outlined other village projects. “The storm sewer problem under Center Street. Apparently that area has been a problem for several years. This is an entirely different project that the Village will be responsible for fixing. Using our ‘local streets’ monies we receive through Act 51, we are going to be attacking that area soon. I hope within the next couple of weeks.”

Other work, such as Elizabeth Street culvert improvements not in the phase 3 project, will still be addressed by the Village. Howlett pointed out, “The bridge road structure is in disrepair, and the sidewalk and fence are in poor condition. The Village applied for a grant through MDOT, but it was denied. However, we are going ahead with the project using our ‘local streets’ monies awarded each year through Michigan’s Act 51.”

Michigan Act 51 funds support ‘Non-Motorized Expenditures’ such as shared-use pathways and structures to support the path, ramps and curb cuts providing roadway access, signs and pavement markings and signals that support non-motorized travel. Routine and seasonal maintenance costs are not eligible costs.

S. Clinton just south of Center St. Large slab of sidewalk, insufficiently roped off with yellow caution tape.

Elizabeth Street Culvert & Bridge Project. “David Arthur Consultants has designed a new bridge/road structure that won’t be quite as attractive as the one we hoped for (from the grant), but it will be all new, safe and far more attractive than what is there!” Howlett points out.

Center St. Storm Sewer Project.  Molly Howlett pulls back one of two orange barrels revealing “Center Street storm sewer problem under the road. Apparently that area has been a problem for several years.”

Center St. Storm Sewer Project. Howlett believes this issue is in direct connection to the Center Street storm sewer problem.

1. 

   Clinton just south of Hill St. Grass and weeds can damage sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and encroaching plants.