By DAVE SCHULTZ
It was Street and Alley Day for the Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday, as questions were raised about adding handicapped parking spaces and use of thoroughfares by non-profit groups.
American Legion Post 111 asked for a handicapped parking spot in front of the post home at 111 W. Washington St. The parking spot will replace one that was taken away when the building was remodeled. “The new handicap ramp has meant more members and guests using (the) front entry,” a letter from Post Commander Ronald Marshall said.
The Legion also asked that the handicapped parking stall immediately west of the alley be redesignated as a loading zone. There is a loading zone across the street, but that would require members to risk traffic hazards while carrying packages.
The two board members present Tuesday, Scott Mentzer and Roger Thornton, voted in favor of the change.
Family Centered Services received permission to block off the 300 block of East Washington Street for the agency’s annual Duck Race, which is held the second Saturday of each year.
This year’s event will thus be held Aug. 13. In a letter to the board, Ashleigh King, the director of development for FCS, said the event goes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with setup beginning at 8 a.m. The area will be cleared by 2 p.m.
The request was approved 2-0.
Also, Foundations of Truth, represented by John Reinhard, asked for permission to block off the alley next to its building at 113 W. Market St. from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.
The organization has a ministry to residents of the downtown area, Reinhard said, and a cookout will be held in the alley as part of that ministry.
The board approved that request.
In other business Tuesday, a request for an additional stipend for Ryan Stahly, who has been serving as the Bluffton Fire Department’s instructor in self-contained breathing apparatus, was approved.
daves@news-banner.com
