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'Design flaw' limits access for disabled near Middletown sports fields, official says

The Middletown Press - 5/24/2022

May 24—MIDDLETOWN — The city is working on a plan to allow disabled motorists to use six upper parking spaces near the Beman Middle School track so they can access to the Pat Kidney Complex.

When Beman Middle School was built, a bus gate was established to create a one-way street, which blocked off the entrance to the spots near the concession stand.

"The gates are down during the day, which makes sense," since the track and fields are used for gym, sports activities and other organized events during school hours, Director of Recreation and Community Services Cathy Lechowicz said.

She calls the setup a "design flaw," and has reached out to the city and Board of Education about the issue.

"My concern is, as we head into the summer season, those amenities are used much more heavily in the warmer months," said Lechowicz, who staffs Middletown's Committee Concerning People with Disabilities.

For example, she said, on the weekends, a grandparent or anyone with limited mobility issues who brings children to Pat Kidney to play in the fields or ride bikes, is unable to park nearby.

"It's challenging to have it be accessible," Lechowicz said.

"There's only one other handicap spot in the lower lot because the main entrance is in the rear," she added.

Lechowicz has presented two solutions to the city and school board, she said.

The easiest solution would be to have the gate open nights and weekends, Lechowicz explained.

Another suggestion she has is to redesign the gate. "You can still block off the street, but allow parking access at all times, regardless if there's through-traffic on the road."

Common Council Majority Leader Gene Nocera said the city is working on a way to resolve the situation, and has asked engineers with Hartford-based TSKP STUDIO to draw up renderings.

But, "it's not going to be cheap," he said.

Because the middle school project was finished on time and under budget, Nocera said, there is remaining money in the bond to do the necessary changes. All that is needed is a design, he explained.

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