AdaComplianceLetter.pdf
July 26, 2021
Sara LaValley, Conservation and Preservation Planner Office of Planning and Sustainability City Hall, 210 Main Street Northampton MA, 01060
Dear Sarah,
You asked for an assessment of our compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for
sidewalks, bikeways, and crosswalks.
All of these facilities were built in compliance with the then in effect ADA and Massachusetts
Architectural Access Board (AAB) standards.
In accordance with ADA requirements for reasonable accommodation, we are continuously working to
upgrade these facilities to meet the most recent ADA and AAB standards, which, for example, have
evolved with stricter limits on sidewalk side slopes, sidewalk ramps, and tactile warnings than previous
standards. For example, last year we upgraded sidewalk ramps at about a dozen intersections and this year
we are focused on the ramps in the Village of Florence. With this reasonable accommodation and
continuous improvement approach, we are in compliance with both sets of regulations.
Sincerely,
Keith Benoit ADA Coordinator