617 Arsenal Street Sidewalk elimination and accessible parking in Arsenal Yards

[John Hawes]

For the past year the renovations at 617 Arsenal Street, the Garage building just east of Home Depot, have closed off the sidewalk from Greenough Boulevard to the Home Depot entrance drive. No attempt has been made to provide alternative routes. To cross to the sidewalk on the north side of Arsenal one either has to make a direct unsafe crossing or detour to the crossing to the east where Greenough heads north. There has been no signage in place for a detour.

I understand the constraints on the roadway width and construction challenge, but I think some mitigation should have been possible. For example, the new stair/ramp from Greenough up to Building G, the tower in Arsenal Yards, might have been expedited, but that is aways off.

In any case, I urge the City to keep pressure up for an early removal of the construction zone. This is dangerous for all pedestrians and bicyclists as well as persons with disabilities.

The WCOD has also requested that accessible parking be shown on the parking/site map. Since accessible parking is now dispersed in many locations, it is important that visitors know their options. Spaces should be noted in the parking garages as well as on the surface.

Thanks for your attention, John Hawes