HALES CORNERS — A Hales Corners family is raising concerns about wheelchair access after a neighborhood petition led the Village Board to remove sidewalks as part of a road reconstruction project on Luther Avenue.
Roseann Ness lives on Luther Avenue with her adult son, Nick, who uses a wheelchair. Before construction, Nick's wheelchair ramp connected to the sidewalk, which the family used to reach their driveway and the street.
"So there was a path where we would take Nick down and go down this sidewalk," Ness said.
The Ness family signed the petition supporting the sidewalk removal but said they did not realize it would mean grass and a curb between Nick's ramp and the street.
"I was so angry. And I took Nick's chair and I put his chair down by the road where that walk should be," Ness said.
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The Hales Corners Department of Public Works has since installed a temporary gravel path connecting the area near Nick's ramp to the road. Ness wants that connection made permanent.
"If this isn't cemented, this is going to become mud and snow and stones kicked up all over the place. It's not going to be easy. He is 42 years old and we are not young," Ness said.
Retiring Village Administrator Sandy Kulik said the village can accommodate a permanent path, but the Ness family would be responsible for the cost of constructing it. Kulik said the village considers the path a private improvement benefiting one property and cannot use public money to pay for it.
"Her solution is that this is on us, we are welcome to hire a contractor," Ness said.
Michael Reed, who circulated the petition to remove the sidewalks, said they were in poor condition and that he did not consider how removing them could affect Nick's access.
"I thought this was going to be a slam dunk and make the area nice and dress it up some," Reed said.
Reed said he believes there is still time to address the family's concerns.
"I don't know if it's going to be a big deal or why it would be a big deal for the city. It's not too late. It's before the fact so they can address it before," Reed said.
The sidewalk removal was approved by the Village Board after residents petitioned for the change. The Hales Corners Village Board of Trustees voted 6-0-1 on June 22 to remove the sidewalks on Luther Avenue between 108th and 110th streets. Meeting minutes show the board was told 19 residents supported the removal and two opposed it.
Ness said she wishes Nick's needs had been considered before the sidewalk was removed.
"At the beginning of it, why wouldn't you look at it and make sure it accommodates not just Nick, but everybody," Ness said. "Disabled people have rights. And that's all we want for Nick. He has a right to be able to get out of his house."
Kulik said the village was not aware of Nick's wheelchair access needs when the sidewalk removal was approved. She said the family should notify the village as soon as possible if they decide to move forward with a permanent path so the village can account for it as construction continues.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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