Wheelchair user urges planners to protect State Street sidewalks as outdoor dining expands

At the start of the meeting, Sarah Wright, a State Street resident who uses a wheelchair, urged the Planning Commission to consider the cumulative effects of sidewalk encroachments and outdoor dining on pedestrian access.

"My name is Sarah Wright, and I live on State Street...I've almost completely lost my ability to use the side of the street that I live on," she told commissioners, listing problems including cars making U‑turns in the area, knocked‑down poles, steep curb cuts and outdoor seating that blocks the walking route. Wright said she has been nearly struck on multiple occasions and that at least one business denied her service at its ADA window. She asked commissioners to keep accessibility in mind when approving changes on State Street.

Commissioners thanked Wright for coming and noted the city’s obligations under ADA and the public‑right‑of‑way accessibility guidelines; staff and commissioners referenced the city’s ongoing obligation to maintain public infrastructure and that technical memos provided for later projects will address accessible routes.