Concern raised over safety for disabled at new farmers market site

To the Editor,

I am very disappointed in the new farmers market location. First and foremost, and probably most critical for the City, is the site has not even thought about the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. For any “new” city venture, ADA should be a first thought, not an afterthought.

In addition to the ADA shortcoming, there is no delineated crosswalk from the parking area to the venue. People are expected to cross an unimproved railroad track and then immediately step onto an unimpeded street.  

What was the city thinking? Paint isn’t our problem Safety is!

I have been a regular at the street market for a number of years.

The “new location” doesn’t hold a candle to the “street location” and I won’t be back until safety is addressed, offsite and onsite.

James Fish

Clinton

Editor’s note: The city is working with a committee of volunteers to develop The Market on Evans. Part of these efforts include a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity, matched by the State of Michigan to fund improvements at the site. The campaign has been very successful and has already reached its initial goal.  This first phase includes both improvements to the building as well as improvements to the site.  The next phase of fundraising will include the cost of paving at the site. In the meantime, this committee is working to address current logistical needs at the site. There will be parking available adjacent to the site, as well as parking at the site for those with a H/C designation.