I would like to address the issues of our downtown seating and decorations.
First, there are regulations on books that are laws which have been established to set standards for our downtown. If one does not agree with these laws, it is their duty to proceed through the proper government body to change the laws, not break them and then address them. The Governing body then has the responsibility to “re-think” why the laws are in place and determine if it is in the best interest of the community to change these laws for the citizens of the community.
I do not in any way want to be the sole authority of the decisions. However, I do feel that all the citizens of our community need to have a voice. Outdoor seating, flower pots on our sidewalks, benches to rest, and outdoor eating and drinking are all part of the changes which have come before Council recently.
On the outdoor eating and drinking facilities: There are those in our community who are firmly against alcohol consumption. They do not take their families into establishments were alcohol is being served. They do however want to go to downtown to the dentist, for a walk, to the pet store, to shop at clothing boutiques, jewelry store, or shoe store, etc. However, if alcohol is on the sidewalks, and they walk past one of these facilities, they are now having to expose their families (children) to this or just to stop enjoying their shops or walks. It is not within their ability to choose to not take their families into the environment, the environment has now been taken to our sidewalks.
ADA regulations. We have many in our community with disabilities who have problems getting around safely. Whether this be due to visual impairment, wheelchair or walker needs, or just elderly who may be unsteady on their feet. This is why we require sidewalks to be open, clear of any tripping hazards and in good condition. For an elderly person, breaking a hip due to a fall can be the end of their independence. For a person who is visually impaired, whether totally blind or partially blind, obstacles in the walking path can cause falls. Thus, if there are objects in their pathway, they need to be clearly defined for safety of all. When working with the older population, I tell families to paint the steps bright yellow so their loved one does not miss the step going from home into the garage when it is dark or dusk out. We do have steps coming out of building onto our downtown sidewalks, why not paint them a bright color to make sure they are visible. And if you are in a wheelchair, please feel free to express your opinions to the owners of the property or your city administrators where obstacles cause you to not be able to freely use the walkways in our community.
I personally do like to have our streets and sidewalks look appealing and open. But at the same time, I also do not wish to make changes without knowing exactly how these changes will have negative impacts to our community or our citizens. Our sidewalks are “public right of ways” and need to be open and safe for all our citizens. Alcohol consumption on our sidewalks, where will it lead? What we do for one establishment, will also be allowed for all our establishments. What do you, the citizens, want for our community?
Wanda Sharrock
Council-At-Large
City of Bucyrus
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