From the Board – Uplifting news
April 10, 2009
Yes, the pun in this headline is fully intended. There’s some exciting news from the Board this month: We believe we can afford to get a stair lift that will assist members who cannot climb the stairs to the sanctuary and Eddy Hall!
In March the Board voted to pursue the installation of a stair lift on the stairs to Eddy Hall, as well as a series of three stair lifts that would take a rider up and down the stairs to the sanctuary. (Because those stairs turn two corners, three separate lifts would be necessary.) While we have previously received quotes upwards of $100,000 for a handicapped accessible elevator, we have received estimates for 350-pound-capacity stair lifts that total only about $12,000. The Board believes that figure is one that we can handle, between previous funds raised and other funds that we believe we can raise for this worthy cause. And unlike major renovations, stair lifts can be installed in as little as a single day.
While stair lifts, which are motorized chairs attached to tracks that run up the stairs, would not make us fully compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards (we would need an elevator and a handicapped accessible bathroom, and likely other improvements), they would be a vast improvement for a number of members and friends who would like to join us but can’t climb our steep stairs. It would also mean that our chapel would be a more attractive venue for events like concerts, shows, community meetings and weddings, which could generate funds from rentals and help Bell Street better support our community.
For years we’ve been bemoaning our lack of handicapped accessibility and the fact that many members of our community have been unable to join us for services or events because of it. We’ve held fund-raisers and accepted donations, but were stymied by financial struggles and the overwhelming costs of an elevator or handicapped accessible bathrooms. While full handicapped accessibility is still a dream that we have for Bell Street, the Board feels that stair lifts are a very achievable and worthy improvement and we are very optimistic that Bell Street can do this soon.
Much thanks go from the Board to Rev. Josè Ballester, who has pursued estimates for the lifts, and to Joe Davis, who has also been active in our handicapped accessibility efforts, as well as everyone who has donated or organized fund-raisers for our previous efforts. While we aren’t yet at the point where we can set a time frame, we can do this soon, and the Board is very excited about being able to welcome more of the people who want to be a part of our wonderful community.
In hope and excitement,
Meredyth Waterman
President-elect
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