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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-2-2Nantucket Commission on Disability Minutes Open Session Tuesday February 2, 2016 Dormitory Conference Room in Dormitory Building s e r Present: Mickey Rowland, Maribeth Maloney, Karenlynn Williams, Penny Snow, and Brenda McDonough Absent: Jeanette Topham and Georgia Snell, Guests: John Hayford, Senior Project Manager, Emeritus Development Jascin Finger, Deputy Director and Curator, Maria Mitchell Association Call to Order: 3:36 p.m. Agenda: Mr. Rowland stated, by unanimous consent we are adopting the agenda. Note: Minutes: 3:36 p.m. There were only three Commission members who were eligible to approve December's minutes, which is not a quorum. The minutes will be approved at the next meeting when there is a quorum of eligible Commissioners present to approve December 8, 2015's minutes. Open Session: 3:37 p.m. New Business: Topics: Variance Application for 48 Center Street: John Hayford with Emeritus Development presented an AAB variance application for 48 Center Street seeking relief from section 7.1 of the 521 CMR. The proposed work on the building includes adding a take -out window underneath the existing porch. which is thirty -six inches above grade, and adding a partition wall and new door to create a separate space for the sale of ice cream within the existing candy shop. The cost of this renovation is estimated at $15,000. The Commission had a list of conditions ready in the event that they all voted to support the variance request. The following is the list of the conditions: 1. We would like a menu box placed next to the existing front window facing Center Street and a buzzer /intercom below the menu board. If the buzzer is placed here, the employees can see through the window that a disabled customer is waiting for service. This will provide visible access to the all their customers who are disabled. 2. Sidewalk service will be provided for their customers who are disabled and unable to access the takeout window. 3. Have signage at the buzzer indicating its purpose. 4. Have a written policy in place as to how the employees will accommodate a customer who is disabled and ensure that the employees are aware of the policy. The Commission on Disability would like a copy of the written policy. The following is the discussion regarding 48 Center Street: • Mr. Hayward wanted our assurance for the variance support if the HDC chooses to relocate the menu box and buzzer to another area on the building's exterior. • Mr. Rowland wondered if you could have access to the back of the building, which is not possible because there is not enough room to create an accessible route to the rear of the building. • Ms. Maloney commented that if it was impossible to have access to the take- out window, then she can live with not having access. But if they can access the take -out window via a vertical lift, but do not want to install a lift because of the cost, then she has no sympathy for the owner. Every child should be able to access a candy store and ice cream window. • Mr. Hayford informed the Commission that everyone would be served out side at the take -out window and the public did not have access to the interior ice cream shop. This is a take -out service only. Ms. Snow motioned to support the variance request with the conditions that the Commission requested, which Ms. Williams seconded, and all the present Commission members voted in favor of this motion. 3:52 p.m. Maria Mitchell Variance Application for 2 Vestal Street: Jascin Finger with the Maria Mitchell Association presented a variance request for 2 Vestal Street. Mr. Rowland is involved with this project, so he did not participate in any discussions, and was not involved in the variance presentation, and did not participate in the vote, but he did remain at the meeting. Maria Mitchell association is seeking relief form sections 25.1 and 26.5 of the 521 CMR and because they are spending over 30% of the assessed value of the building, the entire building must meet the AAB's access code. The main entrance is considered on the east side of the building even though most people enter the building at its west entrance. The east entrance, which is not accessible, would require a forty -nine foot switchback ramp and a longer path of travel from the accessible parking space. The entrance on the west side of the building will be the accessible entrance. There is an accessible walkway from the sidewalk to the accessible parking space to the proposed accessible entrance. There is an interior door whose clear opening is thirty -one inches. It is an historic door (1830) and they want to keep the historic features of this building. Ms. Snow motioned to support the variance request because she believed that impracticability has been proven, which Ms. Williams seconded and Ms. Maloney voted in favor of this motion. Mr. Rowland abstained from voting because of his involvement with this project. * Topics Not Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of Meeting: Old Business: 4:05 p.m. Parking Permits for Applicants with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Mr. Rowland preferred that the Commission discuss this topic when all the Commissioners are in attendance, so the Commission tabled this topic until our next meeting. Other Business: Ms. Snow mentioned the statistics of young people ages eight to twenty who have hearing impairments. Ms. McDonough reported that she requested a yellow stripe on the street at 21 and '/z Hussey Street so that the elderly couple who resides there can have access to their front gate. Traffic Safety approved the yellow line and will make this recommendation to the BOS. Ms. Williams will inform the elderly couple when the BOS will review this request and request that the couple attend that meeting to advocate for the line. Adjournment: 4:12 p.m. Mr. Rowland motioned to adjourn Open Session, and enter into Executive Session, and not return to Open Session, which Ms. Snow seconded, and Ms. Maloney, Mr. Rowland, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Snow voted in favor of this motion. Submitted by: Brenda McDonough, Facilitator