13-038 (16) This unit does satisfy all applicable chapters of the 750.CMR sixth edition
of the Massachusetts State Building Code and is, in our interpretation,
compliant to the intent of the Architectural Access Board.
3. Customer Service Stations: At all service counters (re: Deli, Meat,
Seafood, Bakery, Prepared Foods, etc.) are installed with the intention
that customer service can be administered at each service station by
walking through a provided aisle to hand a product to a person requiring
assistance. The reason for this is that all refrigerated display cases are
manufactured to standards satisfying both NSF for sanitation and safety
and CRMA for performance standards. Heights are established as for
industry standards. This has been brought before the Massachusetts
Architectural Review Board for accessibility and has been determined to
satisfy the intent of the regulation.
4. A waste receptacle placement restricting a correct turning radius in the
Customer Lavatory has been replaced with a fixed mounted receptacle
allowing for a correct area of movability to achieve access as required.
5. A mulch staging area for landscaping activity has been removed from an
accessible parking space.
6. Signage type and wording has been corrected at accessible parking
spaces.
Louis, this does respond to all of the raised concerns on the accessibility of this
project. If I can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
l'
Charles A. Bomely,
CC: River Valley Market
RETSI N
F PIAN B
RETA DESIGN ANd PROJECT MANAGEMENT, LLC
12 Goose Lone • Tollond, CT 06084
Tel. 860.870.5380
Fox. 860.870.5382
E-moil: plon.b.retoil @sneLne 1
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_ 3 - 2008
DU Q'Is
July 2, 2008
Mr. Louis Hasbrouck
Building Department
Puchalski Municipal Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: River Valley Market, Northampton, MA
Dear Louis:
This letter is responding to accessibility concerns that have been lodged referencing
the above-mentioned project. Our response to these issues is as follows:
1. Checkstands: The installed checkstands are standard models,
manufactured by Killion Industries and is sold as satisfying ADA
requirements. All surfaces are within height limits for accessibility.
On the checkstands, there are accessory items installed to assist the
customer. The two (2) items that are required to be fully accessible are
checkwriting stands and keypad entree terminals for customer use.
There are two (2) checkwriting stands installed at each lane. One (1) is
mounted higher than allowed which is for the convenience of those who
can use it and a second is installed at a lower level for those requiring this
height.
The keypad is mounted at a higher height than acceptable but is in a
removable saddle and can be handed to a person requiring assistance.
2. Wheel Chair Lift: A LULA type elevator, model PAL has been installed at
this project. This was intended to achieve accessibility to a secondary use
mezzanine level. This level is for auxiliary use to the primary retail food
REf ° N store (mercantile) use of the building. This level's use is redundant to
similar uses on the first floor and egress is achieved though two (2)
stairways separate from this lift.
The utilized lift is fully permitted, and has achieved full approval by Board
of Elevators of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of
Public Safety.
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDLNTG LN'SPECTIONS
212 Main Street . Municipal Building
Northampton, MA 01060
l\SPECTOR
Scott Ricker
28 Lake Shore Drive
Southwick, MA 01077
September 18, 2008
Re: River Valley Market
Map/Plot 13-038
Dear Scott,
You raised concerns about accessibility at the River Valley Market at 330 North King Street here in
Northampton. I have inspected the store on several occasions and I believe that they have complied
with the requirements for accessibility as defined in the Massachusetts State Building Code and the
Rules and Regulations of the Architectural Access Board.
Your letter specified a number of concerns, including landscaping materials stored in an accessible
parking space, lack of signage for the accessible parking spaces, a trash container in the required clear
space in one of the accessible toilet rooms, checkout lines, the "Quarry Cafe" counter, the checkout
aisles, the service counter and the limited use elevator access to the mezzanine.
visited the market as soon as I became aware of your concerns. Rochelle Prunty, the general
manager was very cooperative. The landscaping material was moved the same day and she instructed
the construction crew to keep the accessible spaces clear at all times. The signs for the accessible
spaces were in place within 3 days. The trash container in the accessible toilet room was replaced with
a fixed unit. The key to the vertical lift was made available at the service counter which is staffed at all
times when the store is open.
Based on a recent inspection, I believe that the checkout aisles at the River Valley Market comply
with all the dimensional requirements of 521 CMR, section 7.4 (accessible checkout aisles).
The project coordinator, Plan B Retail Design and Project Management LLC, has provided a letter
describing, in paragraph 3, the accommodations provided at customer service stations such as the
"Quarry Cafe". I concur with their assessment of these areas. The areas in question contain refrigerated
display cases and do not have associated counters. I have included a copy of their letter.
There is a vertical lift providing access to the mezzanine area of the store. The area in question is
clearly a mezzanine and not a separate story, as defined by 527 CMR, chapter 2 (definitions of
"mezzanine" and "story"). Section 2812.1 (e) specifically allows a vertical lift"To provide vertical access
where the distance between floors is less than a full story and where a ramp is not feasible". I believe that the
vertical lift meets the requirements for accessibility in this situation based on this section.
think I have addressed all the points you raised. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Our telephone number is 587-1240 and our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30
pm, excepting that we close at 12:00 noon on Wednesdays. My email address is:
Iasbrouck(a)-city.northampton.ma.us.
.-Louis Hasbrouck City of Northampton
Local Inspector and Zoning Enforcement