Dear editor,
I’m not renewing my paper.
The reason, Beto O’Rourke visits Taylor. The photo taken was put on the back page. Whatever your political beliefs show respect for candidates running.
Eileen Arnold
Who Owns the Planters?
My mom is handicapped and her only means of mobility is her ADA approved scooter.
Unfortunately, she was in the crosswalk at Second and Main, when she was hit by a vehicle turning right on Main Street. It was documented by both parties involved that the planters on the corner obstructed the vehicle’s view. Additionally, the planters were directly in the crosswalk, which means anyone who used the crosswalk had to maneuver around them to cross the street.
As a result of the accident, my mom sustained a broken wrist and damage to her scooter. She has now lost her only form of mobility and her independence.
The current design at Second and Main has created a significant safety concern for mobility pedestrians. Individuals who ride on an ADA approved scooter, sit low to the ground. Due to the planters, drivers are unable to see them when they are maneuvering through the crosswalk, until they are in full view. Fortunately, the collision didn’t result in more serious injuries.
All pedestrian infrastructure, especially crosswalks, should be accessible to all people, no matter their age or capability. Many aspects of pedestrian infrastructure— for example, curb ramps, pavement markings, crossing times, detectable warnings, and others—are the result of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that all public environments must accommodate people with disabilities. Nothing should be obstructing the crosswalk, nor obstructing the view of the crosswalk in either direction.
I have made a request to the city manager and to the council to remove the planters. I have inquired who owns them and cannot seem to get an answer to that either. While I appreciate the city moving the planters out of the crosswalk line, it does not resolve the current risk for disabled community members, nor does it eliminate the sight-line obstruction. These planters are a liability and need to be removed immediately.
Sincerely, Carrie A. Ruiz
