This letter is in response to the draft of the Access Board regarding the new ADA rules. Please note that the following comments represent the Administration’s position of the City of Peoria, Illinois.

1. The Detectable Warning (DW) method of truncated domes and color differences does not provide value added when compared to the textured concrete used in Peoria. In Peoria, non-sighted pedestrians are appreciative of the textured concrete that is embossed as a raised grid-pattern in the wet concrete.

2. One ADA parking space per block face: In Illinois, motorists with ADA placard or license plates can park free of charge at any meter and can exceed the parking duration in time limit zones. High turn-over meters offer excellent opportunities for ADA access. Municipalities should be allowed flexibility in providing ADA on-street parking spaces. An average of space per block face is more flexible.

3. Parallel ADA Spaces to have 5 ft. Wide Access Aisle but not in Driving Lane: In cities with one-way streets the driver has the option to park on the left or right side; therefore, the recessed curb/sidewalk may not be necessary. In Peoria, designated ADA spaces are at ends of blocks or at a curb ramp. NOTE: The 5 ft. relocation of curb/sidewalk is very expensive in any downtown area and compromises usable public space to the detriment of all pedestrians. Also, a drainage inlet would be necessary at every indented parking space to eliminate water ponding and ice build-up.

4. Width of Marked Crosswalks: Requiring the 8 ft. minimum width is not necessary to increase the capacity of a crosswalk in view of low number of ADA pedestrians. The crosswalk should match the width of the sidewalk it serves.

If you desire additional input regarding these comments, please call.

Sincerely,

Stephen N. Van Winkle
Director of Public Works