By Julie M. Cohen – Wicked Local
Although many restaurants were allowed to open outdoor seating areas during COVID, those spaces often had uneven surfaces, making them inaccessible to those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
It is ultimately the restaurants’ responsibility to make their patios accessible, according to Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s office, but city officials and volunteers are working to help struggling local eateries solve the problem.
“Cost is always the challenge,” said Councilor Brenda Noel.
So far Councilor-at-Large Alicia Bowman, Noel and multiple volunteers have built four platforms from wooden pallets to make eating areas flush with the sidewalk at the following restaurants: Cook in Newtonville ; Bill’s Pizzeria and Four Spoons in Newton Centre; and Grape Leaf in Newton Highlands. Read More…