Editor,

The upgraded Port of South Whidbey marina in Langley has been a slow, and well managed project.

It’s incredible the many layers of local, state, and federal regulations there were to wade through on this waterfront project. The Port of South Whidbey did a great job with all that wading. Thanks.

The discussions about a lift to move people up and down the bluff have brought out intensity, but not intensity regarding the needs of disabled folks.

The need to move people up and down the hill isn’t because “people are too lazy to walk,” or just to help boaters and gear, it also is because we are a community of people of all abilities. All abilities should have decent, safe, independent access to public facilities, including public parks, beaches and marinas. A lift or funicular is the simplest solution to support independent public access for people of all abilities.

There is no safe way for non-driving disabled people to get to the waterfront park and marina district without help from others.

Independence is something most of us take for granted; we don’t have to depend on anyone else for mobility.

Many people with physical disabilities cannot ride in the Main Street golf cart because that golf cart is not American Disabilities Act, or ADA, accessible.

My brother became a paraplegic at age 44. It has changed his life dramatically. His struggles for independent mobility have made me much more aware of how lacking Langley is in regard to ADA accessibility in buildings and for the waterfront.

Whatever gets built will be a fantastic benefit for ADA accessibility. The need is real. Langley volunteers or public staff cannot bear the risk and burden of assisting people up and down Wharf Street — it is too steep.  One tip of a wheelchair on the hillside could have devastating consequences to both pusher and rider.

The design and details of the lift can be worked out. Let’s get it done in a positive way, and not be so negative in outcry.

LEANNE FINLAY

Freeland