As a bike rider, I often use sidewalks when they are clear of pedestrians. I feel that it increases my life expectancy. No ramps are a big problem. Let's get these ramps done now--who cares who didn't do it.
However, about 25% of the sidewalks in the city are in such wretched shape that putting ramps at their ends is a waste. No wheelchair could make it down the sidewalk--they are worse than the streets--bad brickwork, roots, general decay are endemic. Walk down Queen Street from the train station to the bus station dragging a wheeled suitcase to get a general feel for the problem.
The best sidewalks are on Prince Street from Liberty inbound, thanks to Clipper Stadium. Perfect. They should be our standard.

I agree with that. Some of it does fall on Charlie. He should have had a captial campaign fund that would have effectively dealt with these types of issues. And I can't speak for all the money, but I do know that some of the federal funds were diverted to other projects like street paving and other public works projects, economic development and to fulfill some social program obligations the City had. All of these are important things as well. Thats what people don't always understand. By doing something that is important to someone, you have to cut something out that is important to someone else....thats just how government budgets work these days. Doing curb cuts, meant less money for after school programs, or drug and alcohol or economic development. And as an elected official you try to keep everyone happy but that isn't always possible.

This is a major, major expense to benefit a handful of people. In a city with so many financial needs the people pushing this lawsuit can only be viewed as extremely selfish and mean-spirited. Actions like this by handicap zealots only fuels resentment against all disabled people.

There are about 225 miles of sidewalks in Lancaster. I thing 25% is quite high. But, there are enough problems with sidewalks throughout the city that I believe more than 50% of blocks are impassable.

Sure, you can cross the street. Big deal. What happens when you get halfway down the block and can't get around an obstruction. You turn around and try another street. Handicap people quickly learn what blocks to avoid.

At this time, the cut-outs are a waste of money. I would like to know why these three people who are able to make such threats against the city aren't going after homeowners first. I'd like to see their sidewalks. The city must force homeowners to make their sidewalks as compliant and passable as possible. Then put the ramps in.

Also, at an ADA requirement of 36 inches (soon to increase because we are getting larger), many areas have sidewalks well below that number.

ADA was supposed to be a guideline, not an absolute. The law does address financial issues in making a public area reasonably ADA compliant.

In an other thread "City mayor proposes $130 million bond sale" our mayor believes $130 million in bond sales is the answer for funding needed up-grades to city hall and purchasing new trucks and mowers.

To revamp existing ramps will run approximately $4 million. Take $4 million from the bond sale,problem solved. Of course other areas may suffer but as abc123 wrote; "By doing something that is important to someone, you have to cut something out that is important to someone else....thats just how government budgets work these days."