City Newspaper Archives - 2/2007
DOWNTOWN: We need more skyways
Published on Feb 13, 2007
Since we have finally entered a typical Rochester winter, I asked about pedestrian walkways sheltered from the weather, such as the skyways connecting a number of buildings already. It seems, instead, that the professionals want people out on the streets to patronize businesses they pass by. Give downtown the feel of Niagara-on-the-Lake or Park Avenue. One professional answering my question gave Toronto as an example, where in spite of cold weather, thousands of people are out walking around. Able-bodied people, that is.
I am reminded of a friend who is wheelchair-bound, who decided to move to San Diego so she could have a life 12 months of the year, not just six. Able-bodied pedestrians have enough to contend with when there are piles of snow where clear sidewalks should be. Passage is impossible for those who get around in wheelchairs.
Since we can reasonably expect snow any month from November through April, not only should we do a better job clearing sidewalks everywhere, but we should provide sheltered passage to all major downtown locations. Curb cuts, handicapped parking, and wheelchair ramps are not the only features that a welcoming downtown should have.
A city is an amazingly complex entity, and I admire those with enough vision to attempt to make it more livable, more attractive, more fun, environmentally sound, and so on. I hope it will also be more welcoming to those who are physically challenged.
Marjorie Campaigne, Maxson Street, Rochester
