SNOW: Consider disabled citizens

Letter to the Editor in the CdA Press:

The purpose of this letter is to address various issues related to accessibility at some of our local businesses and the downtown Coeur d'Alene area. The main concern is the lack of snow removal during the winter months, especially on the sidewalks, pedramps and crosswalks.

If you are from this area you know that we have several weeks and sometimes months where we must have the snow plowed from our streets in order for people to drive safely to work or to access our local businesses. If you use a wheelchair for mobility, the complications do not end with driving. The lack of snow removal prevents people from accessing our local businesses safely and those of us using wheelchairs were not able to access many of them at all.

Furthermore, we were not able to roll up and down the Coeur d'Alene streets freely. This is also an issue for mothers using strollers for their babies. Another issue was the fact that snow that is being plowed is piled up into handicapped parking spots at many area businesses. It is our understanding that a city code exists stating that snow is to be removed by 9 a.m.

Summer is around the corner so this will not be an issue for many months. It is our hope that this early reminder will be acknowledged. Please think twice next snowfall! Until then, enjoy the sunshine.

DREA BOWDEN and DONALD WADDELL

Coeur d'Alene