Brookline Commission on Disability
Statement on Warrant Article 6
Sidewalk obstruction pose a threat to everyone – residents and visitors alike – and especially people who use wheelchairs, push strollers, have balance or mobility issues, are blind or have low vision, or are wheeling luggage, etc.
In particular, people who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes or other durable medical equipment, and residents who are blind or low vision often have to re-route trips in the pouring rain or frigid temperatures because of barriers in the path of travel, including vehicles parked on the sidewalk, overgrowth from bushes and trees, or garbage barrels. They may force people with disabilities to turn around and find other ways to get by, including traveling in the street, which is unsafe for both pedestrians and drivers or cyclists.
The current Sidewalk Obstruction By-Law as written is vague and outdated. The proposed amendments are excellent as they provide simple definitions and a clear procedure for enforcement.
Approval of Warrant Article 6 will go a long way towards making Brookline an age-friendly and pedestrian-friendly town. The Commission on Disability strongly urges all members of Town Meeting to vote in favor of Warrant Article 6 during the November 2021 Town Meeting.
James Miczek, Acting Chair & Members of Brookline Commission on Disability
November 2, 2021