McPherson holds hearing as downtown plaza accessibility plans advance

MCPHERSON — McPherson held a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 29, on proposed accessibility improvements to the downtown plaza at Main and Marlin streets, as planning and grant preparation continue. The city's meeting announcement said the hearing, held at the McPherson Municipal Center, concerned the city's application for state-administered Community Development Block Grant funding to remove barriers under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The working proposal would replace asphalt and chip-seal pavement on the 100 block of West Marlin Street with smooth concrete, correct uneven elevations and drainage, and create level connections between the plaza and street. Those connections would allow wheelchair and cane users to move into Marlin during events when removable bollards close the block to traffic. Other proposed improvements include removing raised planter barriers, adding a stage ramp and retrofitting an existing accessible parking space that is currently unusable.

The city is working with PEC on a preliminary engineering report and cost estimate while the scope, beneficiary documentation and funding commitments are refined. Four additional accessible parking spaces on nearby side streets remain an optional component. A 3D model illustrates the proposed Main Street and Plaza improvements, though the design remains conceptual. The state's application deadline is Oct. 16. Planning is underway, but construction remains contingent on funding and required approvals.

Disclosure: The author is helping with this grant in a personal, unpaid capacity.

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