Owl's Korner

I believe there are exceptions in older buildings that were built before the existing codes.I did a little research and found that the Michigan Barrier Free Design Law was created in 1966. Existing buildings undergoing a change would be required to be made accessible to some extent if it affected more than 50% of the existing floor area. If less than 50%, only the affected area and a barrier free route to it,from and including the nearest entrance would have to be barrier free. Also, there is a Michigan Barrier Free Design Board who can make exemptions for certain buildings. Is this correct anyone?

The City of

Wyandotte does not have a Fire Chief. I hear the firefighter's don't want to take a pay cut, so the position is open, even though more than one firefighter has passed the exam.
Wonder how much longer this will go on. With no Chief, who is watching the Indians?

This City Is A Disgrace!

Keiko you are so right!! You brought up some excellent points.

This city is a disgrace when it comes handicapped accessible.

Over the last 2 decades this city has torn down the old and rebuilt. But when it comes to making Wyandotte a wheelchair accessible or even wheelchair friendly city, it just isn't happening.

Many business up and down Biddle are not accessible to someone in a wheelchair. This is unacceptable! Just because a business is older is no excuse.

Some of the businesses have stairs just to enter and once you get in the door you can't get any further past the entry if you are in a wheelchair.

Stroh's Icecream has a step up into it. It would be so easy to make that step a ramp...But no one has done it. I even brought it up to the manager ''10'' years ago. Still nothing.

And no it's not ok for Owls Corner to continue to be in business this long. Whoever owns that business should move to an accessible building. The city should encourage or enforce that. Buildings that are too expensive to or can't be made accessible...should be torn down.

Little Ceasers Pizza on Ford Ave. Another example...No access!...all they have to do is create a small ramp. I approached the manager of that business ''10'' years ago also....still no change! This is unacceptable!

The various doctors and dentists offices along Ford Ave. have no wheelchair access either. And I've seen remodeling done on those businesses over the years. They could have spent a little extra money(that they would receive government help and tax credits for) to make their business wheelchair accessible. But they haven't! This is unacceptable!

Can you imagine...if signs were put in their windows ''ABLE BODIED PEOPLE ONLY!'' ''DISABLED PEOPLE ARE NOT WELCOME'' ''NOT OPEN TO THE DISABLED'' Just like there used to be the ''NO COLOREDS'' ''WHITE PEOPLE ONLY'' signs.

When a business is NOT accessible they are in fact putting such a sign on their business.

Yes with the current ADA some exceptions are allowed for older buildings. But the city should be making efforts to encourage a barrier free environment.

It shouldn't have to come down to a law suit to get someone to comply. Currently there are many tax deductions a business can take when they remodel and make changes to become accessible.

We need people on our city council and in the various departments who care about having a city that is accessible to all it's residents. From housing, to city services, recreation and businesses.

Even if you are not disabled right now. You will be someday. Either by an unfortunate accident or when you from old. Very few people can remain independent when they age. Everyone is affected by not have access.

exactly!

It should not be a Retail store

it could be an information booth on the city or convetrted into a pop corn stand.

If HP can not get in, it is in violation of law, the cement work is a disgrace, it would be no loss to find an alternate use, a store...it does not qualify.

sorry,