Office of Community and Economic Development
OCED Helps City of Farmersville Meet ADA Compliance Requirements
| Picture | Caption(yes/no) | Caption Text |
|---|---|---|
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yes | This image shows an ADA compliant sidewalk ramp in Farmersville, CA. |
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yes | OCED staff documented ADA compliance issues in Farmersville, CA. Shown here, landscape obstructs the sidewalk, resulting in ADA non-compliance. |
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yes | A mailbox obstructing the walkway in Farmersville, CA. OCED staff is canvassing every block of the city to document ADA compliance issues as part of a grant from Caltrans to the City of Farmersville. |
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yes | An example of a sidewalk ramp in Farmersville, CA, that does not comply with ADA requirements due to missing tactile paving on the ramp, no landing area and non-compliant flares. |
OCED staff kicked off a months-long project with the City of Farmersville in late August. The assignment: to determine the extent of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues with the city's sidewalks and walkways by collecting data and photographs, and presenting a comprehensive report to the city outlining compliance deficiencies related to sidewalks, curb ramps, obstacles and other inadequacies.
With guidance from consulting group GHD, OCED's Community and Regional Planning Center Coordinator, Frida Cardoza, and Student Assistant, Nicholas Martinez, are canvassing the entire city for deficiencies – every sidewalk on every block of the 1.64 square mile town. Their findings, thus far, have included: non-existent curb ramps; ramps that are too steep; mailboxes, buildings and ramps interfering with walkways; and missing tactile paving (those brightly-colored, textured surfaces on sidewalks that help with navigation for people with visual impairments as required by ADA).
"The people of Farmersville have been very welcoming of us and we've met several residents who are hopeful to see something done with the data we are collecting about the walkways in their community," Cardoza said. "In one instance, we met an individual who was upset that his entire side of the street was without a sidewalk, while his neighbors across the street had one."
These are the inconsistencies that Cardoza and Martinez are documenting for the city.
The ADA compliance project is part of a grant to the City of Farmersville from Caltrans to develop a compliant and active transportation safety enhancement plan. The city, along with Caltrans and communications firm, The Lockwood Agency, are encouraging residents to attend an upcoming informational event on Saturday, Oct. 6, where community members can learn more and offer input on the plan.
OCED staff will continue field work in the City of Farmersville through early November.