Letter: Langley must do more to become disabled friendly

Editor,

I want to add my voice to those requesting more consideration for people with disabilities as the Langley streets and sidewalks are remodeled over the next few years.

Unfortunately, Langley is “disabled unfriendly.”

The streets are steep, sidewalks so narrow on First Avenue that safe wheelchair operation is impossible, and most of the shops have steps, preventing entry. There are only three ADA parking spots of which I am aware. At least two restaurants offer no access whatsoever, even the one with a two-story elevator for delivery of produce. Yes, we know it’s all 100 years old; persons with disabilities have been hearing that “historical designation” excuse for decades. Please don’t begrudge the funds, required by federal law, that would make travel easier.

With a consistent concern for economic development, consider that tourists have disabilities, too. Encourage more visitors with signage and other accommodations that make a visit to Langley less difficult. The bottom line is, disabled people are a little hard to see, but we’re not invisible. We work, we have money and we spend it. And we vote.

We are part of your community too.

Kelly Felice

Clinton