NY town moves toward more barrier-free homes

From the Times of Huntington, N.Y., on the north shore of Long Island, N.Y.:

The Town Board plans to vote Sept. 23 on whether to fast-track applications for single-family homes that would use Universal Design elements to create barrier-free buildings.

"From my perspective, every time I go to visit someone, each house is more difficult than the next to navigate," Tamar Sherman, of Northport, said after wheeling herself into the board room at the Sept. 9 public hearing. "A typical house has three, four, five, ten steps to get in. How much easier it would be if all new homes had at least one entry with no steps?"

Sherman, who has multiple sclerosis and has used a wheelchair for about a dozen years, said one can never tell what the future might bring, whether it be illness, accident or advanced age.

Stepless entryways, she said, would help make life easier for everyone, including people toting baby carriages and anyone on crutches.

She envisioned the legislation becoming part of a national "visit-ability" movement. "Whether it's your aging grandparents or whether it's someone next door, if there is no step, anyone can get in.

"This can be done easily by grading the property, so you can have the steps that look nice to get in but you can also come in a side door or backdoor with no steps," she continued. "It includes having a wide doorway so someone in a wheelchair can get through. … It also requires having a powder room on the first floor that is wide enough for a wheelchair to get in and turn around so you can get to the toilet."

Lyn Evans, director of the Suffolk Community Council's Accessible Long Island project, explained that the proposed legislation started in October 2007 when Executive Director Judy Pannullo met with Supervisor Frank Petrone to discuss "equitable accessibility of private housing. "

"People are now living longer, some with lifelong disabilities, while others may develop limitations later in life," Evans said. "Yet, we as a society have been largely unaware of the problems these present us. Given the changing demographics in our communities, it is vital that we create environments that will enable all people to participate in the everyday lives in our communities."

Citing 2000 census figures, Evans said there are 16,000 veterans, over 23,000 people with disabilities and 45,000 seniors and baby boomers living in the town, representing 40 percent of the population.

"We know that aging in place and remaining in one's home and community contributes to the well being of individuals, supports family and civic life, reduces financial burdens, and allows individuals to maintain their independence and their quality of life at the highest possible level," he said. "This proposed law goes beyond advocating for a specific people; it goes to the very heart of how society can use new information, products, technology and design to create equitable environments that provide access for all people."

Mary Iannaccone, chair of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for the town's Division of Handicap Services, recalled hearing the expression "temporarily able people" many years ago.

"I think your resolution addresses the issue of we never know what's in our future. …" she said. "Many of us start in life that way; some of us do not. However, the whole committee would be very pleased with this being passed because the Universal Design is a step in allowing people who have challenging situations in their life with mobility or other issues like that, and we thank you."

Neal Hoffman, a partner in Hoffman Grayson Architects in Huntington, said the legislation is likely following New York City guidelines for new buildings, which mandate Universal Design elements.

Irving Prus, planning examiner of New York City's building department, said the city has required those building principles since 1987.

"Architects and builders have to adapt to the rules," he said. "Bathrooms might get a little bit bigger; the kitchens might get a little bit bigger but we'll adapt. Rules are designed for the common good and as much as you complain, it doesn't do any good."

Though the legislation will not be mandated, Supervisor Frank Petrone said the town hopes builders will be encouraged to incorporate the new designs if their applications are expedited.

"What I'm trying to promote is the fact that it's not only for people who are currently handicapped," he said. "Let's take a look at people that have various conditions that come upon them, or they have surgeries. ... People's life status change as time goes on. ... These universal designs are really good for everyone."