MARBLEHEAD — Members of the Disabilities Commission questioned why the commission was not invited to a variance hearing for Abbot Public Library, which reopened on Wednesday after a renovation project that began in January 2023.
The library had initially been required to delay its opening when it was not given an occupancy permit by the Building Inspection Department because its entrance ramp did not have the landings and handrails required for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“How does that building plan get approved without being compliant?” Commission member Gail Mack asked.
Chair Laurie Blaisdell explained that even though the meeting to discuss the library’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act was set for July 19, the library was granted an emergency meeting on July 1. The Architectural Access Board approved a variance that the library could open and has until Dec. 1 to complete its work as proposed.
Blaisdell said she was confused why the Disabilities Commission was not invited to or notified of the hearing.
“I was not notified. The building commissioner was not notified. They had the hearing. They gave them the variance,” Blaisdell said.
Blaisdell clarified that she was not upset about the appeal or the fact that the library was approved for the variance. She noted that the variance specifically requires the library to complete the work on its entrance ramp by Dec. 1.
“That’s appropriate because the library wouldn’t be able to get the railings before then and contractors to do the work,” Blaisdell said.
Members of the commission said that they felt left out of the process, and questioned what the purpose of the commission is.
“I am disappointed in the process. It’s as if the AAB board isn’t supporting the process or our role,” Blaisdell said.
At the end of the meeting, the Disabilities Commission decided to invite Jeff Dougan, a representative of the state Office on Disability, to its meeting in October.
“I’d like Jeff Dougan to explain what is the meaning of what the Disabilities Commission is doing. I’d like to know how the process works so we are included and a part of it and they get our input,” Blaisdell said.
