presstalks
• As a disabled American and resident of Farragut, I must take issue with the (Town of Farragut) speed-calming plan for Sonja Drive and Admiral Road. Speed humps are in direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. So why is it municipalities keep forcing them on disabled persons? Obstacles placed on public roads cause excruciating pain for persons with low back disabilities.
More and more debate is emerging regarding the impacts speed humps have upon persons with disabilities. ... The ADA law … addresses the new construction and alterations of roadways; “§35.151 New Construction and Alterations: (a) Design and Construction. Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction was commenced after Jan. 26, 1992; (b) Alteration: each facility or part of a facility altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity in a manner that affects or could affect the usability of the facility or part of the facility shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be altered in such manner that the altered portion of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the alteration was commenced after Jan. 26, 1992.” The Americans with Disabilities Act … stipulates that new facilities must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. The ADA Title II regulations define “facility” to include “roads.” … (Town) officials need to take a step back and address the legality of speed humps concerning the ADA.
• I was wondering, since we’re talking about eyesores here in Farragut, what about the filling station at the corner of (North) Campbell Station (Road) and Kingston Pike (former Phillips 66 convenience store)? Are they ever going to do anything with that? And if they are, what? It’s really looking bad. (Editor’s note: during his special Letter to the Editor, part 1, in our May 9 issue, Farragut Mayor Ron Williams stated the following: “the former Phillips 66 station at the corner of Kingston Pike and Campbell Station has been sold and planning is under way for redevelopment.”)
• I read with great interest the … Presstalk in the April 25 edition regarding the two contrasting sights in Town — Ingles and “The Wall” (retaining wall along northbound Campbell Station Road just north of the Farragut High School entrance/exit). If only our Farragut authorities would work as hard on “The Wall” as they did on the Ingles problem, this unsightly eyesore could be remedied. All that is needed is to have the entire wall spray-painted in a color that matches the columns. Then hand-paint the concrete scabs a variety of a darker color to make them look like stones that are embedded in the wall. Simple, inexpensive and effective.
