PETERSBURG – During public comment at its May 29 meeting, Upper Township Committee heard an impassioned plea by Strathmere resident, Elaine Holsomback, to improve access for handicapped and other mobility-impaired or challenged beachgoers.
“I would gladly lend you my wheelchair for one week so that you can see how difficult it is to reach the beach in the soft sand,” she said. “There are only a couple of access points that have Mobi-mats, one at the Point and one at Whale Beach, that make it easier to get to the beach and that’s really not enough; we really should have them at every beach entry point,” she continued.
At her questioning, Engineer Paul Dietrich said the mats cost about $4,000-$5,000 each, and it is impractical to place them at every street since they must be maintained, and are easily covered with blowing sand that quickly becomes deep and difficult to traverse.
Upon the conclusion of Holsomback’s comments, the committee remained silent until, subsequently, Linda Bateman, president of the Strathmere Improvement Association, said, “I am really stunned that you have nothing to say to Mrs. Holsomback. She has raised legitimate concerns and is speaking not just for herself but for everyone who wants to get to the beach and has difficulty and you have not addressed at all her concerns.”
“My niece has cerebral palsy, and she is 32 years old, and for all that time her family has taken personal responsibility to support her by getting her a beach-access wheelchair for example,” said Deputy Mayor Edward Barr.
“You have to make adjustments as required. The township has eliminated six cross-overs to the beach that now have hard-packed gravel that makes it easier for the handicapped to reach the beach,” he continued.
“We also have four beach chairs you can use at any time, even reserve them and we will deliver them right to your home or wherever you want,” said Barr.
Mayor Richard Palombo added, “As a result of my wife’s recent accident, she has two broken legs and is in a wheelchair. She loves the beach, so I know first-hand as well what it means to be able to enjoy the beach and facilitate access.”
“Your statement regarding ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirement that there needs to be equal access is not accurate,” said Solicitor Daniel Young addressing Holsomback. “The requirement is ‘reasonable accommodation,’ and that is what the township has strived to do,” he concluded.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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