Proposed North Adams Rule Worries Power Chair Riders
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| Verda Senecal says increasing the height of the safety flags could be dangerous. |
The ordinance has been a work in progress since last fall after City Councilor Richard Alcombright expressed concern over the use of the power chairs after nearly hitting one that shot out into the road in front of him.
Alcombright and Councilor Gailanne Cariddi said at Tuesday night's meeting they were nearly finished in polishing the language on the ordinance and that it would ready to be placed before the council on March 24.
Verda Senecal of Ashland Street said she was very concerned about certain restrictions she believed were in the ordinance, such as requirements for lights, carrying a doctor's note or prescription explaining the need for the device and installing a flag at least 6 feet tall on the chairs to raise their profile.
Alcombright said those requirements had been eliminated or changed. He told Senecal he believed she'll happy with the outcome.
"It's not restrictive in any sense that I can see," he said. "It just create awareness and keeps people in chairs out of harm's way."
Senecal asked to be alerted to the next subcommittee meeting. "I would like to find out what has been added or eliminated," she said. "I guess I'm trying to be a voice for those of us who are stuck."
In other business, the council also postponed action on another long-gestating ordinance on vacant and foreclosed properties to April.
The council approved the installation of three utility poles on Versaille Avenue. Bonnie Brown of National Grid said two poles would be installed on the public way and one on private property to bring electric, telephone and cable service to Annette and Johnathon Briggs.
