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7/8/98, 5:03 pm
Memphis Transition Plan by September 4!
Mayor Herenton addresses the Barrier Free Memphis Society
The Mayor had prepared his remarks from the many city departments he directs. Before he related those accounts, however, he assured us that "as the Mayor I have a full commitment to break all barriers to accessibility."
From across the city of Memphis Dr. Herenton reported barriers were being overcome by the recent improvements in public transportation and paratransit, by the $1.2 million directed to build curb ramps, $100,000 to improve Mud Island access, and $20,000 to make the Pyramid more accessible.
"The city would have a transition plan in 30 to 60 days," stated Mayor Herenton. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires state and local governments develop a diagram of how they will make all their programs and services compliant with the ADA. That diagram, called a "transition plan," will specify a time-table for compliance as well as set priorities and include public comment.
The Mayor further fielded questions on different aspects of accessibility in the city. Barrier Free members told him about access difficulties using the trolley at the North End Terminal, and limiting the trolleys to a single rider in a wheelchair. Others pointed out design flaws in some of the curb ramps being built around the city, and suggested that the engineers use a wheelchair to perfect their blueprints.
The mayor suggested a strategy, and promised his assistance, to include ADA specifications and standards in the current city codes. He advised that we work with his office to write a proposal, and work to have the City Council pass our statement. This would make the federal ADA regulations enforceable by the City of Memphis.
Finally, Barrier Free members could not help but thank the Mayor for his and Mayor Route's courageous stance against Governor Sundquist during the ADAPT action last May. Although long-term care is not a focus of BFMS, it is such an emotional issue for people with disabilities that members felt compelled to recognize Dr. Herenton's brave position.
The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org
MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency
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