The Yarmouth Commission on Disability is lodging a formal objection to a state infrastructure plan that could narrow Route 28 sidewalks to just seven inches in specific locations. During their December 12 meeting, members expressed alarm over a MassDOT variance request scheduled for a hearing on February 24, 2025. The proposal, which affects the area near the locksmith and coin shop in South Yarmouth, has drawn sharp criticism for potentially creating a physical barrier for residents with mobility issues. John Mitchell suggested the state should prioritize accessibility over existing property lines, arguing that if the sidewalk cannot be widened naturally, the state should use its authority to secure the necessary land through eminent domain. I can't believe that they can't come up with some solution... the variance is kind of foolish, Mitchell said. Chair Gail Sharet urged colleagues to attend the upcoming hearing, noting the importance of a unified front as the town navigates a broader period of transition marked by the $207 million municipal sewer project and the implementation of the new Local Comprehensive Plan.

Sarah O'Reilly, the town’s Director of Human Resources and ADA Coordinator, confirmed the commission’s stance will be communicated to state officials before the February deadline. I can email that statement on behalf of the Commission, O'Reilly noted, clarifying that the commission’s position is to not support any project that creates a situation preventing accessibility. Sharet emphasized that even minor variances can have significant consequences for residents using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

Turning to community recognition, the commission voted to establish a permanent way to honor those improving local access. Motion Made by J. Mitchell to establish an annual Evelyn Beal Recognition Award. Motion Passed 4-0. Named after the commission’s late founder, the award will be presented every June to individuals or businesses demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the disabled community. Sharet described Beal as avid for the disabled, and the board plans to finalize specific selection criteria during their January meeting. The timing of the award is designed to align with the end of the town's fiscal year cycle, a suggestion supported by O'Reilly and Vice Chair Mary.

The commission is also expanding its outreach to encourage local business owners to install automatic doors and other accessibility features. Drew reported on the success of local property owner Jim Bassler, who has been acting as an ambassador by assisting neighboring offices in Yarmouth Port and Hyannis with navigating supplier costs and installation requirements. Mary suggested that the commission centralize this data into a resource list for others, including who installed it, the supplier, cost, all that. To formalize these efforts, the board approved a new outreach procedure. Motion Made by J. Mitchell to accept the outreach letter and assessment procedures. Motion Passed 4-0. This program will lead to specific accessibility icons being added to the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce website for businesses that pass a voluntary commission assessment. Drew noted that the outreach will include educating owners on available tax incentives, helping bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and the financial realities of property management.

Assistant Recreation Director Steve Reynolds provided a positive report on the town’s inventory of 12 "Moby" beach wheelchairs. According to Reynolds, the chairs at Smugglers Beach, Seagull Beach, and the Recreation office are used up to two dozen times per summer, and maintenance has been seamless over the last 18 months. We haven't needed any repairs in the last at least year and a half, Reynolds said, explaining that lifeguards rinse the equipment with fresh water and log every use. To ensure the fleet ages evenly, Sharet recommended numbering the chairs to facilitate better rotation. Mitchell added that the Massachusetts Office on Disability provides financial motivations for quick repairs, stating that if a chair is fixed within a specific window, the town could receive approximately $1,000 to ensure the equipment remains available for public use.

In community news, John Mitchell highlighted a local "Music Bingo" event scheduled for that evening to celebrate a 40th anniversary, with Sharet noting she planned to attend the fundraiser. The commission also touched on administrative updates, including the upcoming Select Board agenda item for Mary’s member reappointment and the drafting of the commission's annual report. Promotional posters for the commission’s work are also expected to return to the local public access television rotation on channel 8 in the coming weeks.