Committee to Look at Dormont's ADA Sidewalk Plan

is asking for citizen involvement in a committee that would help determine where handicap-accessible ramps are needed in the borough.

Borough manager Jeff Naftal said last week that a committee used to exist for planning ramps compliant with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He wants to bring that committee back.

"The rational is that it almost becomes a subcommittee of council, but it allows citizens who have an interest in this to participate and weigh in on the process and what we want to do with ramps throughout the borough," Naftal said.

The committee will consist of three members, two citizens and one council person.

A motion to create the committee passed by a 6-0 vote. Council member Laurie Malka did not attend the meeting.

Council President Bill McCartney said the ADA ramp planning program has been in place in the borough since the year 2000, and that when it was created, a committee also existed.

"We talk about (the program) here all the time, but apparetnly it's been lost in antiquity," McCartney said. "The committee, at the time, was working to develop the program so ramps weren't just put in randomly."

As of Monday, one citizen already had contacted the borough about involvement. Naftal said others are welcome to contact him.

Those interested in joining the committee can contact Naftal at jnaftal@boro.dormont.pa.us.

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