Council told arena needs $610,000 elevator to ease access for disabled patrons

Posted on July 19, 2018
arena
Bloomington aldermen Monday night will decide whether to spend about $610,000 for an elevator to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. (Grossinger Motors Arena photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington aldermen are being asked to spend a little more than $610,000 in public money for a new elevator so the city-owned Grossinger Motors Arena can comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Illinois Attorney General has determined the downtown arena does not comply with the law mandating at least one accessible route connecting each floor in multi-story buildings.

People with disabilities can’t get to existing elevators at the arena because artists performing there block public access to areas near their dressing rooms for security reasons.

Aldermen at Monday night’s meeting will consider accepting the only bid the city received for the project, from Bloomington-based Felmley-Dickerson Company at a cost of $610,500.

The city faces a year-end deadline to comply with the ADA requirement.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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