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Updated: 12:27 AM Oct 12, 2011
Elkhart councilman vows to fix probable ADA violation
http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/131555518.html
Elkhart Councilman Dave Osborne is being scrutinized for a potential ADA infraction at the downtown building he owns.
Posted: 7:03 PM Oct 11, 2011
Reporter: Kevin Lewis
Email Address: Kevin.Lewis@wndu.com
South Bend, IN 46634
Elkhart Councilman Dave Osborne is being scrutinized for a potential ADA infraction at the downtown building he owns.
The negative press comes less than one month from the November General Election. Osborne, who represents Elkhart’s first district, is now doing everything in his power to fix the matter.
After renovating the historic Green Block building last fall, Councilman Osborne replaced a handicap accessible ramp with inaccessible stairs.
The two steps have since prevented many in the disabled community from entering the Daily Grind coffee shop. In turn business is down and tempers have flared.
"Well it's frustrating. We've had people from the handicap community tell us that they aren't able to come here anymore because it's not readily accessible,” Daily Grind manager Steve Salisbury said.
Polio survivor Terry Fillio was the latest victim, after her caregiver couldn’t lift her 700 lb. wheelchair up the stairs.
"I was stunned that there were steps there. I felt a little angry and shocked because I’d always been able to get in before,” Fillio said.
You see, the Daily Grind used to have a wheelchair accessible ramp until it became structurally unsound last fall.
"The wood and everything had rotted through the years and was getting ready to collapse into the basement,” Councilman Osborne said.
After receiving a grant, Osborne restored the building's façade to resemble its historic look dating back to the late 1800s. That resulted in the two steps replacing the deteriorated ramp.
"We’d been told that maybe we'd get a portable ramp or something like it and we just haven't seen it,” Salisbury added.
So sat an empty promise, the Elkhart politician hadn't kept, until Tuesday afternoon.
"I’m not going to give an excuse for that. It should have been done previously and I’m not going to deny it. It's something that's got my prompt attention now and I’ll be taking care of it,” Councilman Osborne concluded.
Councilman Osborne says a temporary ramp will be installed by the end of the week. That work began Tuesday afternoon when he and an engineer took measurements of the entryway.
Elkhart city leaders say ADA laws are governed federally, meaning municipalities have no power. The federal judicial system however does not have a representative locally assigned to enforcing ADA regulations. Consequently, many violations are left untouched.
Elkhart councilman vows to fix probable ADA violation
http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/131555518.html
Elkhart Councilman Dave Osborne is being scrutinized for a potential ADA infraction at the downtown building he owns.
Posted: 7:03 PM Oct 11, 2011
Reporter: Kevin Lewis
Email Address: Kevin.Lewis@wndu.com
South Bend, IN 46634
Elkhart Councilman Dave Osborne is being scrutinized for a potential ADA infraction at the downtown building he owns.
The negative press comes less than one month from the November General Election. Osborne, who represents Elkhart’s first district, is now doing everything in his power to fix the matter.
After renovating the historic Green Block building last fall, Councilman Osborne replaced a handicap accessible ramp with inaccessible stairs.
The two steps have since prevented many in the disabled community from entering the Daily Grind coffee shop. In turn business is down and tempers have flared.
"Well it's frustrating. We've had people from the handicap community tell us that they aren't able to come here anymore because it's not readily accessible,” Daily Grind manager Steve Salisbury said.
Polio survivor Terry Fillio was the latest victim, after her caregiver couldn’t lift her 700 lb. wheelchair up the stairs.
"I was stunned that there were steps there. I felt a little angry and shocked because I’d always been able to get in before,” Fillio said.
You see, the Daily Grind used to have a wheelchair accessible ramp until it became structurally unsound last fall.
"The wood and everything had rotted through the years and was getting ready to collapse into the basement,” Councilman Osborne said.
After receiving a grant, Osborne restored the building's façade to resemble its historic look dating back to the late 1800s. That resulted in the two steps replacing the deteriorated ramp.
"We’d been told that maybe we'd get a portable ramp or something like it and we just haven't seen it,” Salisbury added.
So sat an empty promise, the Elkhart politician hadn't kept, until Tuesday afternoon.
"I’m not going to give an excuse for that. It should have been done previously and I’m not going to deny it. It's something that's got my prompt attention now and I’ll be taking care of it,” Councilman Osborne concluded.
Councilman Osborne says a temporary ramp will be installed by the end of the week. That work began Tuesday afternoon when he and an engineer took measurements of the entryway.
Elkhart city leaders say ADA laws are governed federally, meaning municipalities have no power. The federal judicial system however does not have a representative locally assigned to enforcing ADA regulations. Consequently, many violations are left untouched.
