Hicksbridge Landing floats in place but wheelchair access and grant details remain unclear

Commissioners raised concerns on June 22 that Hicksbridge Landing has new floats in place but no completed wheelchair-accessible walkway from the designated handicapped parking. Members said the town reserved $5,000 toward the project and that additional money is expected from a Seaport economic grant, but the grant amount and terms were not confirmed during the meeting.

A commission member summarized field observations: the new parking layout exists but the route to the floats is "not wheelchair accessible right now," and members agreed a site visit and follow-up with Jeff (project contact) are needed. The group noted typical grant practices described by one member that large state or federal grants sometimes earmark a portion of funds for accessibility, but a staff contact at the Mass. Office on Disability (MOD) said he was not aware of an automatic 10–20% set-aside; commissioners asked staff to obtain grant documentation to confirm applicable rules.

The commission agreed to follow up with Jeff and town staff, confirm available grant funding and timelines, and coordinate a walk-through to determine whether the reserved $5,000 and any grant funds can be applied to provide wheelchair access to the floats.