Ye Olde College Diner Updates etc.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

In the current issues of Voices, my column compares segregation of the 1950s to the way the College Diner excludes people who cannot walk—people like me. I had hoped publication would excite the desire to build a ramp.

I wanted to portray two villains. The proprietor of course for not providing a ramp. Primarily, I wanted to address you the patrons—the people who get to go into the restaurant simply because they can walk.

I I have already quoted scripture on the subject and I will probably continue when you least expect it.

Before we get to my shrill and overwhelming insistence of my own rectitude, let’s talk specifics:

First in importance: I will call at 2 pm Danny Rallis, the proprietor of the Diner. Actually, I just called and left a message suggesting that we get together at the Corner Room and talk about making the Diner accessible. There are more issues involved here than would seem readily apparent simply by looking at the Diner’s entranceway.

In order to make the Diner wheelchair accessible:

You need a ramp.

This ramp could not come straight out of the Diner, something that seems reasonable until you realize you will be blocking pedestrian traffic on the narrow sidewalk. Instead, the ramp must come out of the side. I need to show you pictures, but until then, let us resume.

Dick’s Homecare or T and B Medical, both here in State College, could design the proper ramp. With advances in ramp technology including modularization, it is a lot easier and cheaper to gain access than it ever was.

Then, an architectural drawing must be made showing the proposed ramp entry etc. The ramp drawing must be submitted to code in COG and submitted to the Borough Council for final approval.

[Another source of assistance in ramp design is Penn State where the Office of Physical Plant knows a great deal about the various regulations involved. OPP could be a great resource and result in significantly lower expenditures.]

The office of code at COG reviews the design and gives his approval. That is the desired outcome. But code must consider the effect on foot traffic and other issues, and since the ramp is designed by spec and made to fulfill all spec requirements, approval is likely. I am willing to help in getting the ramp design approved by code and through the Borough Council.

I don’t know how Danny wants to proceed. We will see.