To the Athens City Council,
The Athens City Commission on Disabilities has been requesting accessible crosswalks throughout the City for many years. The Uptown crosswalks are of particular importance since so many community members and visitors use them on a regular basis, as they participate in daily life within the city. We understand the importance of retaining historic preservation and are not in conflict with retaining this “look” throughout the uptown area.
The City Commission on Disabilities and Athens Historic Preservation Commission met in 2022 to discuss the crosswalks, since the current condition of the crosswalks is inaccessible and denies access to our uptown area for so many. We concluded that colored, stamped concrete, which has already been utilized at the Carpenter/Court St intersection and in the crossing area between the City Building and the Athens Parking Garage, would meet everyone’s needs. Using stamped concrete has made those locations more accessible and retains the “look” of Athen’s beloved bricks. The two commissions sent a joint letter to City Council last year recommending colored, stamped concrete.
Not all bricks are equal. Many bricks can withstand human traffic but wear down easily when vehicles ride over them, causing chips, cracks, breaks, and gaps between the bricks. What starts out level and well laid out, like the area near the more recent project at Dairy Lane, is fine the first year, but will undoubtedly break down over time. The 100+ year-old brick pavers currently used for uptown streets and crosswalks are not smooth or stable enough for small-wheeled devices, even if a solid base is employed.
The City is currently unable to sufficiently maintain the crosswalks that use laid bricks in a standard process that systematically assesses, removes, replaces, and levels out the bricks. We recognize this would be a continual drain on City resources to employ this process. Stamped concrete is more reliable for people who use mobility devices, canes, or who are less stable walking and does not require as much maintenance.
We continue to believe that colored, stamped concrete is the best solution for retaining the look of Athens brick and for moving our city forward in making our city more accessible.
Sincerely,
The Athens City Commission on Disabilities
Davey McNelly, Chairperson
Dianne Bouvier, Vice Chairperson
Ally Hughes, Secretary
Carolyn Lewis, Treasurer
