Restaurant at Jail to open next week

Reported at Salem Patch, the restaurant at the Jail, The Great Escape, will open Monday.

When I saw this in the open house, I had wondered if this would be the restaurant.  I seem to have guessed right.

Despite the guy from Northfields and the associated controversy over the green space, a restaurant operator came through after all. 

I’m not sure how they’ll do long-term, and I don’t know if I’ll afford to eat there myself, but I wish them luck.  Hats off to New Boston for their tenacity in seeing this through.

Not Remembering 9/11

As we mark the ninth anniversary of Al Qaeda’s attack on September 11th, I’m proud of this artwork.  I produced it for my friend Leo Jodoin and his TV show, Salem Now, which I have been a crewmember for the 13 years it’s been produced.  It features the improvised, informal, but now established, 9/11 memorial at Market Basket.

I’m proud of my art.

But I’m not proud of what has become the fetish of worship and hysteria that now defines September 11th.

Over a very long summer, we have been hearing about the imam who plans to build a Muslim cultural center a few blocks from the site of the former World Trade Center.  His plans have gone through and before a large number of boards and commissions in Manhattan, as any other project would.

In Salem, I know this process well, and the Commission on Disabilities is one of the participants in the rituals that developers go through to get things built.

The imam’s project has gone through all the hoops and hurdles in Manhattan.  But a lawsuit from one of the relatives of a 9/11 victim is reportedly pending.

To say what I think of this, I need to go back to last spring, when the developers of the Salem Jail wanted to turn the greenspace fronting Bridge St. into a parking lot as a condition for a restaurant on the premises.  There was a heavily attended meeting about this that saw nearly all of the neighborhood groups come to testify.

I wrote about what happened in that meeting but I’ll repeat it:  A guy from Northfields spoke out against the proposed lot.  But more than that, he went into a long speech about what kinds of development would be suitable in the neighborhood.

My neighborhood.

And he told us that the elderly complex—my building—would not be in favor of commercial development.

I was livid.   Beyond mad.  Angry.   Pissed.

The Northfields guy was telling me and my neighbors what was right for us.  I can’t even speak for my neighbors!   We have, in fact, been living next to a commercial office building for many years.

Now, how am I going to tell that imam that he cannot build his center because I believe Muslims brought me pain on 9/11?   I don’t consider myself to have any standing;  as of now, it’s not even clear if the courts will give standing to any relative of a 9/11 victim to bring suit against the organization that plans to build there (a former clothing store that is not even within sight of the WTC block.)

I didn’t like that guy from Northfields presuming to speak for me or my neighbors, so why should I have a position on that cultural center?

There is no rule of law that could enable me to go to Manhattan and stop this.  It’s gone through all the permitting down there and that should be that.  The First Amendment has no asterisks saying “except some religions we don’t approve of”.  (Catholics who oppose the cultural center might want to look at their own history in America first.)

In the next town over, there is a political activist, famous for her anti-tax, limited-government advocacy.  She writes for the local daily, whose editorial board shares her opinions.  She has spoken out against the cultural center (it is not a mosque.)

Does she really think that is in her limited-government bailiwick, to just reach out and tell a municipality in another state even that they must deny a project just because she doesn’t like it?  That is by no means small, limited government!

If she were consistent with her desire for small government and private-sector development (and the imam runs a private organization), she’d advocate for someone like the Koch brothers to buy the Ground Zero site, an enormous parcel of land that much of Salem would fit into, and turn it into a martyr’s center to the sacred 9/11.  (Newt Gingrich also wants to “federalize” the site to create such a memorial.)

There is already a 9/11 church at the site, and their pastor has the hate for Muslims. 

And that is the other reason I feel shamed this day.

For some years now, the Republican party has become more radical and more religious, throwing many moderate conservatives, particularly those in the Northeast, out the door.

They have all but encouraged Christian fundamentalism.   This atheist does not see a lot of distinctions between Al Qaeda’s apocalyptic Islamism, and what Christianism is said to be by many fundamentalist pastors.

Pat Robertson said that “9/11 happened because America looked away from God”.  Was God rooting for Islam that day?

A few years ago when Janet Jackson “performed” at the Superbowl, one columnist from a Seattle paper said that “Al Qaeda had a point!”  We fear jihad, but we now have our own “prayer warriors” in Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, Fist of the North Star.

We all were happy to see the Taliban in Afghanistan, and their theocratic government, brought down.  But I’ve come to think that, to prominent Republicans and Christians, amplified by Fox News, the only sin that Al Qaeda and the Taliban have committed is, is doing terrorism in Allah’s name rather than in Jesus’.

I have recalled General Boykin’s words:

.' Well, you know what? I knew that my God was bigger than his. I knew that my God was a real God and his was an idol."

And that man was a high-ranking officer in our Army.

We even have our own apocalyptic movement in America.  Osama Bin Laden had to inherit his wealth, but Tim and Beverly LaHaye, authors of the “Left Behind” series, have made their millions convincing people that God will take his own people and leave the world to rot for Satan—and that a good Christian should wish for it!

Afraid of violent Islamism?  From what rhetoric I’ve seen over the past few years, we have more to worry about from our own people.  The Tea Party, whose copies of the Constitution only seem to have the Second Amendment in them, loves its armaments.  Prayer warriors, backed up by Browning, Smith and Wesson.  Someone flew a plane into an IRS office in Austin, Texas.

If Tim McVeigh bombed the Murrah Building in OKC today, rather than in 1995, I am certain people would be excusing what he did.  “It’s too bad about that dead baby but her mommy shouldn’t have worked for the government!”  McVeigh himself would be a prisoner of conscience.  Not only would the Tea Partiers call for his freedom but also not a few editorial boards, perhaps even our activist next door.

All because Bin Laden happens to be a Muslim instead of a Christian.  I wonder if he’s for limited government in that world caliphate he wants to build?  If anyone is concerned about the moral state of the world, he certainly is!  He could convert to Christianity tomorrow—as extremely unlikely it may be—and he’d fit right in with some!

That’s why I don’t want to “commemorate” or “remember” or “memorialize” this day.  We put Japanese-Americans in camps in the name of December 7th, Pearl Harbor and we were wrong—and we knew it.  I don’t want to see what we’ll do against Allah—or for Jesus—in the name of 9/11.

UPDATE:  I haven’t read Dinesh D’Souza’s book The Enemy at Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11, or heard of it before this week, but Andrew Sullivan reviewed it for Powells a few years back.  I’d still like to find it at the library and read it, but from what I read from this review, and other blogs I’ve seen online about D’Souza on his most recent book, he’s virtually shaken hands with Bin Laden, and he recommends his ideological peers in the Republican party do the same.  That has only reinforced my commentary.

Salem State University

I got this postcard in the mail over the weekend.  Governor Patrick signed the legislation Wednesday that made Salem State a university.  The bill had passed a week before the signing so there was enough time to get the cards out.

Changes at the Commission

Mayor Driscoll with the Commission on Disabilities, with our former chairpersons, Jack Harris,  and Andy LaPointe, and new chairperson David Tracht (back turned to camera), in front of the new elevator at City Hall.  Also here were David Martel (behind Mayor Driscoll), Jean Harrison and Charlie Reardon (in red.)

The Commission on Disabilities is going through our summer break, and meeting again in September with a different organization.

Jack Harris, after being on the Commission for over 20 years, is hanging it up at the end of the year when his term expires.  He announced his decision in June and called for an election of two co-chairs at our July meeting.

Here are his comments, from the meeting video:

I've known Jack for a very long time.  His two little girls have virtually adopted me!  Like many people who have served long terms in a job, it is inconceivable to think of his leaving.

But 20 years is a long time and I don't begrudge him.

Jack represents 20 years of very hard work to make the Commission as successful as it has been.   This is a position more for duty and love, than it is for prestige.

I've often wondered how I would fare as chair.  It's something I have to think about as I start my second term on the board.

I didn't nominate myself in the vote as I didn't feel I had enough seniority or experience, but as time  goes on, if I continue in the job, I have to prepare for that possibility, and prepare to step up in his position someday.

This is what I said to Jack when he announced his decision:

Our new co-chairs are David Tracht and Debra Lobsitz.  I and my colleagues will do our best to support them both.

Mayor's Proclamation of ADA Day

 

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS:  July 26th, 2010 marks the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and

WHEREAS: The ADA set regulations that have made it easier for people with disabilities to work, shop, go to school and enjoy recreational activities with their neighbors; and

WHEREAS:  Community leaders, businesses and government officials should celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities have made and continue to make to our community; and

WHEREAS:  We should acknowledge the rights of all persons with disabilities under the ADA and their daily activities, struggles and triumphs; and

WHEREAS:  The City of Salem is commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Mayor of Salem, I, Kimberly Driscoll, do hereby proclaim Monday, July 26th, 2010 to be:

SPIRIT OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) DAY

In the City of Salem, and urge all of the citizens of Salem to commemorate this anniversary by renewing our commitment to uphold the nondiscrimination principles of the ADA and to support them in their efforts to become as independent as possible.

Signed,

Mayor Kimberly Driscoll

July 26th, 2010

No New Bus Stop at Hawthorne Square

 

For some time, I and the Commission have been trying to get the MBTA to establish a bus stop inside the parking lot at Market Basket.  

Last fall, we thought we were making progress.

A colleague of mine got a response from Keenan’s office, quoted here:

In a message dated 2/1/2010 10:22:55 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Lynne Montague writes:

Hi Rich,

I wanted to get back to you with the latest information provided by the MBTA on the Highland Ave Bus Stop.  John Matthew at RMD , Hawthorne Square Mgmt has withdrawn its proposal to build a new bus shelter as the company stated it could no longer justify the expense.  The company further noted that the path for the bus, that the MBTA had agreed to, was objected to by the neighboring shopping plaza.

Mr. Matthew said he would contact the MBTA if he learned anything new or if the management company wanted to make a new proposal.  The city of Salem has instructed RMD, Hawthorne Square Mgmt that the bus stop must be cleared of snow.

I will let you know if there is any additional information on this proposal.

Best,

Lynne

Firstly, I’m uncertain as to what kind of expense is involved.  We never heard any kind of dollar figure;  was this to be an actual physical shelter?  I’d understood this would be just a bus stop in the vicinity of Market Basket.

Since I first drafted this post back in February, I've gotten some more information that puts a little light on this story.  The Commission got a copy of a letter to the Mayor's office from the MBTA, specifically from a senior planner/analyst:

The layout of this shopping center does not support a regular bus service. This facility is designed with a large parking lot, few walking paths, and multiple storefronts that would create conflicts between buses, autos, and pedestrians. With the present layout, there is no appropriate place for passengers to board, exit, or wait for the bus. We would be interested in discussing this situation with the management, owners, and/or tenants of Hawthorne Square to see if there are possibilities for making changes or additions inside the center which might create an appropriate bus waiting area area and safe path for the bus to drive through Hawthorne Square.

The Service Planning group is also concerned with the additional trip time a rerouting would impose on existing customers. We estimate that each customer trip would be lengthened by 4 minutes or mour if routed via the shopping center. Extending selected trips during weekday midday hours or on weekends could minimize the additional passenger-travel time, since there are fewer peak-period commuters who would be negatively affected by such an extension and delays from traffic are less severe.

Snow removal is a serious issue that affects the quality of a bus customer’s trip; ordinances vary by municipality. In general, snow removal on sidewalks or at bus stops is the responsibility of the abutting property owner.

The Route 107 corridor has never been quiet, except perhaps before I was born, but it is true that it has gotten more congested.  In fact, the T has had to run fewer buses with increased headways (80 minutes on weekdays) on the 450 and 456 routes due to heavy traffic on Highland Ave.

Ms. McCoy is also correct in asserting that the Hawthorne Square parking lot is not really laid out for pedestrians--there are no reserved pedestrian paths between stores.

This problem is much more than just one elderly person trying to get to the grocery store from the bus.

It's about how we have emphasized the personal car above everything and arranged our city planning around the car and its needs for parking at peak periods.

The only answer we seem to have is "more development".  While I (personally, not the Commission) cautiously favor the new Wal-Mart proposed on Highland Ave. (and disfavor Lowes), I'm not sure how this will help.

As it is, the Commission has de facto "adopted" Rt. 107, 1A, 114 and all the other entrance corridors in the city where pedestrians and people with disabilities travel. 

MassHighway has control over many of these corridors, so city councilors cannot do a lot.  Jean Pelletier and Jerry Ryan are the nominal councilors over Rt. 107's path;  I have not spoken to Jean but Jerry knows my thinking on this and we have spoken numerous times.

I recently had to contact MassHighway to fix one of the new audible signals (ironically near Market Basket).  After two months it's resolved, but someone needs to go out there to adjust its volume.

A call here, an email there, a tweak.  Until the next issue. 

Now, the talk of my state rep and my mayor is on casinos and pledges to improve 1A and 107, which will certainly serve the proposed resort at Suffolk Downs.

A tweak here, a tweak there.

People won't like this solution, but the community leaders in the region will have to push for the Blue Line to Lynn.  Just stand on the Lynnway near Wal-Mart or on Western Ave. past the bus depot and count how many buses with passengers go by.   It's more than you think.

With due respect to my colleague Rich, who never fails to give me a word against the city on this issue, it's a tough one.

And the Commission seems to be alone in fighting for this.

Salem Commission on Disabilities, Unofficial Minutes for June 2010

City Hall elevator, under construction

Salem Commission on Disabilities Minutes for May 15^th, 2010

The Salem Commission on Disabilities met at 4 PM on June 15th, 2010. Present were Jack Harris, chair, David Martel, David Tracht, Debra Lobsitz, Jean Harrison, David Moisan, Mike Sosnowski, City Council Liaison and Charlie Reardon, co-chair.

Jean Levesque is recovering from surgery. Andy LaPointe had a personal matter at home to attend to; Michael Taylor is having an accreditation review.

Old Business

Update on Jean.

Jack: He is set to go home soon, by Thursday the 17th. Michael says he’s doing very well. He’s being monitored, so he can’t go home yet. Jean expresses his gratitude at all the cards and well-wishes he has received. He hopes to be home soon.

Market Basket

Jack: I heard from John Matthews. I’m setting up a meeting with him, the mayor's office and the MBTA. Jennifer [his assistant] has offered to get the contacts for us; my contact at the T has moved on so I need to get a new contact. As soon as we get the meeting arranged, we can check off that one, we hope.

Salem Ferry wheelchair access

Jack: The Salem Ferry had a problem during the March storms. A section of pier, essential to wheelchair access, was damaged and needed to be replaced. Tom St. Pierre got in touch with me to let me know the part has gone out to bid to be fabricated. Service started on Memorial Day, and the part was to be replaced on the 15th.

Salem Ferry MBTA passes

Jack: The other part of this—I was at the BCS office in Lynn and had to go up the steps to the train station in Lynn. I fell on the steps--it was a very dark area and no yellow markings or stripes. Anyway, I spoke with a friend at the BCIL and he referred me a person at the T—Gary (can’t remember his last name)--and the T will do a site visit to see what needs to be done. I also got into some other discussions about the Ferry. We sent an email higher up to get T passes accepted on the Ferry. People may have seen a newspaper report about the lower fares this year.

Charlie: The wheelchair access repair? How is it going?

Jack: The MAAB was notified. It was hoped the wheelchair access ramp would be fixed by now but I understand it is a special part.

Jack: Please ride it if you can—it’s a great experience!

David Martel: The ferry's great.

Charlie: It is so smooth and comfortable.

Charlie: Andy and I were on the Ferry and were passing by Logan Airport. There was a very loud roar—a plane flew over us!

Jack: If the wind is just right and depending on the aircraft it is very loud.

Charlie: Andy's dog wanted to dig a hole through the bottom of the boat!

Jack: Some background—we (the city) own the Ferry (the boat) and a private operator runs it.

Jack: The city has been able to get Dominion to sell them the Blaney St. pier; the city is working on grant money to build a new pier for cruise ships there.

Charlie: There have been cruise operators there before.

Jack: But this project will create new opportunities for larger ships.

Jack: The city will need to open up its public transportation options. The Trolley does a good job. I was reading that a cruise ship in the new terminal could carry 600 tourists. That may be a bit much for the Trolley. We hope this opens up transportation options and the Commission will be there to support them.

Salem Common Playground

Jack: The playground is complete. It was a great dedication. Charlie was there.

Charlie: I was there, Jack and Donna (Harris) was there. We were there with Steve Dibble when he built it. We had a crew of over one hundred people for three days. The floor surface is deceiving, it's very soft. Kids fall down and literally bounce back up.

There are two regular swings and two swings for disabled children. It's a great project. A lot of people will enjoy it.

Jack: The group behind it is Parents United. I have to admit they did a great job. They are selling engraved bricks on a new walkway to donors if anyone is interested.

They are holding a dance fundraiser Friday.

They did a great job working with the city.

I also praise Steve Dibble for his efforts, and his sacrifices, to put this together.

But it’s done. We have been talking about this on the Commission for a long time.

Salem MBTA Station

Jack: There's been a little trouble implied by the press, where it was suggested the project was in turmoil. Governor Patrick says the project is still on track.

There was a newspaper article about Beverly’s depot project and the new scheme they will use to build it.

But again in my previous discussions about the Lynn station with my contact at the MBTA, if the Commission wants to look at any accessibility aspect of the Salem design, he will help us to review it.

I don't think it is so much the details that have been already proposed that are already on paper, but the details that have not been committed to, like the covered platform. The raised platform is supposed to be a done deal.

David Martel: Thy MBTA uses a common cost-saving cookie-cutter format for their designs. They used it to build a garage at the Museum of Science, but didn't look at the plans closely enough and had to cut concrete and rework several of the floors and it was very expensive. The cookie-cutter design is cost saving to them but if they make a mistake it costs.

Jack: I think most of what the city has asked for has been supplied. It is just issues like the covered platform. Because of where it is, it gets cold in the winter. I think we’re headed in the right direction. Whether this continues, we will wait and see.

Jack: The courthouse is exposed now. I have not heard a lot about it.

David Martel: We don't hear about it except from the newspapers.

Jack: They will try to get it all done at the same time. I don't think that will happen.

Charlie: They have underground parking, it looks like.

David Martel: Secured parking for prisoners, judges and such.

Jack: Sidelight on that, a new restaurant has been approved for the Jail. Open in August. There will be no parking on the green space--that has been settled. The space will be cleared as soon as the Bridge St. construction is complete.

Most of you are aware that Boston wants to raise its HP parking fines to increase revenue; that has been in the news lately. The mayor has been very vocal recently about parking.

MAAB Update

4 First St.

Jack: I spoke with Tom Watkins. The developers have been directed to make a curb cut by the MAAB. It should actually happen, within 45 days. I haven't gotten the ruling yet.

Parking Issues

David Martel: Woman got a ticket in Danvers for parking in an HP space. She claimed to be disabled but had no placard.

Jack: I guess she went there, twice, and the 2^nd time around she parked in the HP space.

When she went into Superior Court to file suit, I guess the court waived the $250 filing fee but her husband couldn't represent him because he'd lost his law license. Point is, she got the ticket, she's got the right to fight it but probably she won't win.

Jean Harrison: Has there been discussion about the HP parking fines? The fines are too small in many communities.

Jack: There has been some discussion resurfacing about increasing our HP parking fines.

David Martel: Some communities like Saugus put the money back into enforcement.

Jack: Yes, Waltham. This funds an off-duty officer on behalf of the city's Commission to find violators. They found that that money comes back threefold what they pay the officer.

Jean Harrison: I have troubles regularly with people parking in the HP space that I need. Several times I have had to find an officer.

Jack: Any time you have problems like that, try to take down the license plate. The police are good about that.

The weird thing: If the woman in Danvers had parked in the fire lane it'd only be $20!

Jean Harrison: Exactly!

Jack: I’m revisiting certain parking lots in the city. One of the areas I have been revisiting is the 400 Highland Ave strip mall. There are spaces there for HP but they aren't appropriate. We actually sent a letter out to the owners and hadn’t heard back. Tom [St. Pierre] is going to follow up. Parking is an issue, is always an issue, will always be an issue, and won’t be resolved.

I want to reiterate quickly: As most know, if you have a HP plate or placard and use a metered space—no fee! If you park in the Almy's lot or the garage [both?], you need to pay. There are HP spots in those places but you need to pay.

A year ago, there was talk about putting a garage on 10 Federal to include HP parking. It didn't happen. There was an offer from Jim Hacker about putting a few HP spaces on the Church St. side of the lot. But there are no curb cuts in that area from the parking lot to the sidewalk; we were working on that but it hadn’t been resolved. There is a new crosswalk in the area—it’s just a matter of curb cut access to the lot itself.

David Moisan: Many people don't have pen and paper. But many do have cellphone cameras. You should use them. It would be a good idea to learn how to use your camera phone and how to send pictures in email to yourself, or transfer the files to your computer via Bluetooth. It’s good not just for parking violations but for curbs, broken sidewalks and etc. Just take pictures before the owner comes back so the owner won’t be tempted to confiscate or destroy your phone or camera.

Charlie: The police told us, never, ever, ever, get into a confrontation.

David Martel: Does the camera really help?

Jack: Oh, yes, the MAAB has gotten photos and taken action on a parking issue based on that.

Debra Lobsitz: I was at a meeting this morning on ways to get funding. The Watertown Commission on Disabilities gets funding from parking fines and puts the money back into communications and other projects to improve accessibility in the town of Watertown.

Jack: Absolutely true. As most know, when those fines are paid here [in Salem] it goes back to the general fund. But in Waltham and other towns, the city realizes there is revenue generated that can be used to improve access. We need to put a bigger bite into HP parking fines.

David Martel: Like Saugus as an example.

Jack: The hope, my hope, is that we can split the funding between the city, the Commission and an off-duty enforcement officer. At least that's what we want.

David Martel: My problem is with the temporary signs for street sweeping that aren’t taken down. People ignore them.

Charlie: They don't take the signs down when they're no longer in effect. They look at the signs three months later and ignore them!

Jack: Debra’s correct. Many commissions have done this and it is an option. Some communities have done that but the disability commissions have been isolated and many feel, unfairly, that the commissions are just collecting fines. But we have been very open and have great relationships with the rest of the city government.

Charlie: The city has been very responsive when we needed to put an HP sign up.

Jack: In fact, the Mayor's office has actually been suggesting these initiatives.

David Martel: We got a significant number of curb cuts installed in the city last year.

Jack: I've never seen as many wheelchairs and cane users as I have seen in the last few years.

New Business

Election of Co-Chairs

Jack: I have called for an election of two co-chairs. This is happening because my term is ending in January [2011] and I do not want to pick it up again. I’ve been here for 15 years. You will get a letter on this. It’s time.

I nominate David Tracht and Debra Lobsitz. You have the nomination sheets; I will print a ballot for next month.

You and all who have come before you have worked hard to bring the Commission to where it is today. On another note: I congratulate David Martel and David Moisan on their reappointments to the Commission.

David Martel: I really didn’t know what our group did until I joined it. This city is held to a higher standard--that came through very clearly during the access training last year.

Jack: The one thing I want to pass along and emphasize is our relationship with the city. Politics is a factor of course, as it is in everything, but if you can work around that you can get a lot done. I'm proud to have worked with various mayors, the licensing board, city inspectors and planners over the years.

David Martel: All of these commissioners now, when they do site visits, do these just for the point of catching mistakes people miss in design and planning, before they get stuck with the mistake afterwards.

Jack: We gave owners and stakeholders the opportunity to go to the AAB. Sometimes, they had a different take on the issue than we did and that is fine. I do the best I can--but people can see things differently. We want different perspectives.

David Martel: As a newly-disabled person, I’ve seen things a bit different. Entertainment is very important to us, as it is to able-bodied people.

Jack: I don’t want any of you to feel you aren’t a part of the Commission because you aren’t working actively on something at the moment. Your time will come. The mayor has recognized that each of you has skills that the city needs to make accessibility work and contribute to the success of the Commission.

Disability Policy Consortium

Jack: There will be a Disability Policy Consortium regional meeting. June 29th, 6 PM, Wilmington.

If people would like to go, let me have a sense. I gave a heads-up to Doug Bollen, if you want to go and there are enough of us we can get a right. I don't think MOD is going to do a regional meeting in the area anytime soon. It's a good time and place to network.

Another sidelight: In the Globe, this group submitted a lawsuit when the water emergency took place a month ago; there wasn't notice given to people with disabilities.

Let me know tomorrow--if there are enough people I will get Doug Bollen to get a van.

This would be a very interesting meeting for the Commission to go to.

4th of July Fireworks

Jack: Charlie and I have been talking about accessibility on the lawn at Derby Wharf. I mentioned it to the city a few years ago and also last year, but it was too late to get something done.

They're still trying to figure it out. But there will be an access aisle on Derby Wharf and an area on Derby St. for mobility-impaired folks.

What I told Ellen [Talkowsky]: Let's try this. It should be publicized on the city website. It's hard to judge exactly how much space we need. The other part of that: at the end of the night; I have two disabled daughters in wheelchairs. It's scary trying to get out of there at night with them. I've been in touch with the PD and asked them if there is a free officer, if they could assist people in getting out of there.

The other thing put in place: There'll be a portable toilet for wheelchairs. There are disabled restrooms on the park service space but we wanted another one.

Objective: We want to see how well this works. We don't want to use more space than we need nor make it inconvenient for non-disabled people. If people aren’t going to use the space, we don’t want to go to the effort.

Charlie: If they take a two-foot line from Derby St. to the lawn, the visitor’s center and fence on the left side and mark it off with chalk as for football lines, we can make a no-blanket no-sitting area.

Jack: That's not nailed down yet. There will be access to the field by whatever means, chalk, fencing, flags, etc.

Other Business

Thoughts on the Commission

David Moisan: I want to thank the Commission for three great years. I didn’t know it would be like this when I joined. Of course, I was associated with the Commission for years before [filming meetings]. When all you do is film things, and the neighborhood associations have asked me to film meetings, you get burned out when you can’t get involved. I had to join the Commission and it was the best thing I ever did.

I have the greatest respect for Jack and for his two daughters who are my virtual godchildren. I understand Jack and his need to step away from the job; it happens. I’ve thought hard about doing his job someday just as good as he has.

Jack: I’m not going away!

David Martel: It’s been great.

Jack: The most important thing, as David [Moisan] says, is all the people I have met and the people that many don't know, all the people in the disability community who I have met who have affected me personally. A gentleman in Topsfield worked for a box company for years. He is deaf--but no one knew it, he taught himself lip reading. It's an amazing story. Those are the kinds of stories, the kinds of individuals it is amazing to learn about. These are the stories we need to bring forward.

Charlie: Salem has gone forward in a lot of ways. It's inconceivable to be without the Commission.

Jack: 20th Anniversary of the ADA is coming up. It would be good if you could review the history, see what was supposed to happen--and what actually did! Not only for people with disabilities generally, but specifically in the City.

We have a long way to go.

David Martel: If people run into obstacles and roadblocks and we don’t bring attention to them, they don’t get noticed. Even the mayor notices this.

A-Frame Signs

Jack: The other thing that people should know: The A-Frame ordinances from last month were approved. Look at them and make sure they conform.

City Hall Elevator

Jack: Some people have not known this--it's quiet--the elevator at City Hall is very close to being completed. In a few weeks it will be up and running. They kept me very well updated.

David Martel: What about Morency Manor?

David Moisan: The new elevator appears to be in service, reopened very quietly. The variance work was not done. I understood it to be an extra relocated control panel on the first floor.

David Martel: Correct.

David Moisan: It was quietly turned on, I used it last week. They told us, they would open the elevator when some surface treatment, laminate or something was installed in the elevator. I’m not sure if that referred to the new panel.

They don’t tell me much of anything. I really wish they’d asked to do this when the construction crew was there—it would have already been rolled into the general construction and complete! The replacement for the old elevator is in design. When it gets torn out, I will ask the SHA if I can take pictures!

The meeting was adjourned at 5:21 PM