Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 21, 2023 Helping people with disabilities With a new chair, the Commission on Disability is launching public outreach for Saugus citizens who may need help By Mark E. Vogler G uided by a new chair who was recently appointed as a member to the town’s Commission on Disability, the volunteer board is reaching out to the community in an eff ort to address the chief concerns of Saugus’ disabled population. “I am hoping to give back to the town that I grew up in by helping volunteer my time for a worthy cause,” new commission Chair Mark Currie told The Saugus Advocate this week. “I wanted to join this Commission because I saw the need for new members. My brother [Kevin Currie] is a longtime member of the Disability Commission; I kept hearing him say that they were short members,” Currie said. “My history of growing up with an individual with disabilities in my immediate family leads me to be more cognizant than some others in recognizing that correct ADA procedures are being met,” he said. Joining the Currie brothers on the commission are Marion “Midge” Dawicki and Thomas Traverse. “The Commission has had continuous active members,” Mark Currie said. “These members have always been available; they answered any complaints that may have arisen and also answered questions from state agencies. Like everything else, it had been diffi cult to actively recruit new Commission members during the pandemic,” he said. Currie identifi ed the major goals and objectives of the Commission: · Research local issues impacting people with disabilities TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 2 fort. Structures range from 38-55ft in height in Cliftondale (not including steeples). I think several lots can easily be built to 3 stories 40ft so I think that’s appropriate by right with a special permit to be awarded when true hardship is present when considering other dimensional criteria as it relates to particular lots. Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! · Coordinating or carrying out programs designed to address issues regarding people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Offi ce on Disability · Reviewing and making recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the Town of Saugus as they aff ect people with disabilities · Providing information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability · Assisting and coordinating activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes “It is my understanding that the Commission has not received a lot of complaints in the recent past,” Currie said. “That being said is why we felt it would be good to post something to the public,” he said. Currie wants to hear from affected town residents if sidewalks are not accessible or require repair. Do people with disabilities have trouble accessing a local business? Do 12. Called out that Jackson Street properties cannot exceed 3 stories and 40ft given the more residential scale of the street. 13. Require a 10 foot side yard setback for properties whose side yards abut R1 districts (only aff ects a few lots. Jackson Street properties also require a 10 ft side yard setback. 14. Added language that the town reserves the right Celebrating 65 Years in Business! S you have a problem with handicapped parking space(s) in the town? “We want to know,” Currie said. “These are just a few of examples of what we might be able to help you with. The Town of Saugus Commission on Disability wants to know if you have any disability-related concerns. Call, email or join us for one of our in-person meetings,” he said. “Don’t be shy! If you have an issue or a concern, chances are that someone else does as well. The goal of the Commission is to ensure that Saugus is fully inclusive of people with disabilities,” he said. Residents with disabilities should feel free to reach out to the commission at any time, regarding any issues that are impacting their ability to fully participate in activities, events or civic and community life in Saugus, according to Currie. People with concerns about access problems for citizens with disabilities can reach the chair by emailing him –Mark.R.Currie@Gmail.com – or calling him at 781-258-6198. to order removal of sidewalk amenities that are broken, hazardous, etc. 15. Tweaked building design standards to better align with the context of Cliftondale. 16. More clearly call out the Planning Board’s right to employ peer review for civil, architectural, or other relevant consultants to assist them TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 20 Summer is Here!
9 Publizr Home