It’s taken years, roughly seven, but finally, most if not all of Hancock Park’s street corners now have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant curbs for increased accessibility for visitors and residents, according to Hancock Park Homeowners Association President Cindy Chvatal-Keane.
“Now, all the curbs on 4th Street, a major walking and biking thoroughfare in the neighborhood, have ramps, except one corner at Hudson and 4th Street,” said Chvatal-Keane. “There might still one or two others left in the neighborhood, but for the most part we have a replaced all the old curbs with new ADA compliant curb ramps.”
Hancock Park leaders started the curb ramp installation process under former City Councilmember Tom LaBonge’s tenure, just before he left office in 2015.
“We continued under Councilmember David Ryu, when we also developed a plan for the concrete streets. That effort was recently resumed,  thanks to CD 5 Chief of Staff Joan Pelico and former Ryu staffer Rob Fisher, now working for CD5 Councilmember Paul Koretz,” Chvatal-Keane told the Buzz. “All our residents are delighted to have more accessible street corners, especially our elderly neighbors who really appreciate the smooth, even sidewalks with ramps down to the street.
“The credit goes to Joan and Rob on the CD5 staff for making this happen,” said Chvatal-Keane. “I also want to thank Keith Mozee, Director of the Bureau of Street Services, and his colleague Robert Seawell, who is the Director of Construction. The crews were nice and polite. They did a great job trimming the trees and installing the new curb ramps. It’s really gratifying to see everyone working together to get the improvements in the neighborhood.”
Kudos to Chvatal-Keane and the Hancock Park Homeowners Association Board for sticking with the lengthy process. ADA compliant curb ramps will be enjoyed by everyone.
