Resident urges portable ramp program to improve access in historic district

Kimberly Harrison told the commission that many historic downtown storefronts have single steps that block entry for people with mobility devices and suggested stores place a small sign reading "For access, call this number" and keep a portable ramp on site. "That portable ramp will cost them about a $150," Harrison said, adding, "If I can pick it up in my chair, so they're not that heavy."

Commissioners and staff said the city cannot compel businesses beyond ADA and historic-preservation exceptions, but they supported outreach and a public-education push to encourage businesses to carry portable ramps and to prevent loss of downtown sales from inaccessible storefronts. Staff said communications and code-enforcement teams would distribute the one-page guidelines and the commission asked that the outreach happen ahead of holiday decorating season.