Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
May 7, 2014 12:55 p.m.
Federal investigators and an FDOT representative have arrived in Fernandina Beach to follow up on an ADA complaint filed by Massachusetts resident Jennifer Niles after she fell from her wheelchair while crossing a railroad tracks in March of 2013. (Click here for previous story.) At the time of her fall, the railroad crossing at Centre and Front Streets was in deplorable condition. Although the crossing is now much improved, the ADA complaint also included the issue of access to the popular Front Street eatery Salty Pelican. The City of Fernandina Beach and Patricia Toundas, owner of the Marina Restaurant disagree over who owns the property west of the restaurant. (Click here)
At last night’s City Commission meeting, City Manager Joe Gerrity thanked individuals who helped pressure the railroad to fix the crossing, but said the Federal Government’s interest in the crossing was also helpful. He said he will be meeting with the investigators on Thursday.
Missing that meeting is so sad for us but we know that Al and Jennifer will fight to get what is right!
Good luck!
You go Jen! What you’re doing is inspiring to us all. It’s a shame that it takes a complaint to the federal government to get Fernandina (and lots of other cities and towns) to do what should be standard practice, and is already required by law.
from what ive seen in the pictures it hasnt changed i used to live on the island back in the 80s and 90s and thos tracks look the same to me also the side of the road next to the marina restaurant looks the same you would think the owner would find some place else to park and put up no parking signs on the side just deliveries only.