City Hall ADA Accessibility

Project Description

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II mandates that all state and local governments provide accessible and usable facilities for people with disabilities, embodying the fundamental principles of equal opportunity, integration, and inclusion. Homer City Hall—a cornerstone of civic engagement and an Early Voting and polling location for municipal, borough and State elections—currently falls short of these standards. 

Scope 

The project will proceed in phases.  

Phase I: Design & Construct Back Ramp/Door and Regrade Parking Lot

• Install an automatic swing door opener that complies with ADA opening force ranges for a universal solution for people of all ages and abilities.  
• Regrade parking lot to correct accessible parking spaces and exterior ramp cross slopes that exceed 1:48 ratio.

Phase II: Design & Construct Front Entrance Ramp 

• Reconfigure ramp cross slope to meet standard; 
• Replace grate to meet opening requirement; 
• Reconfigure curb ramp to provide a level, 36” long landing; 
• Alter/replace handrails to meet ramp width requirements. 

Phase III: Design & Construct Pathway 

• Design and construct accessible pathway from public sidewalk on Pioneer Avenue to back entrance door. 

Phase

Cost Estimate 

Back Ramp/Door             $ 100,000
Parking Lot Regrade       $ 400,000
Front Entrance Ramp     $ 237,400
Pathway                            $ 600,000
Total Project Cost        $ 1,337,400

Funding

Need & Benefits 

Accessibility: This project addresses critical equity and justice concerns by ensuring equal access to civic participation for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities. By regrading the parking lot cross slope and addressing access barriers at both entrances, this project tackles Priority Level 1 issues identified in the City’s Facilities Transition Plan and reflects the City’s commitment to accessibility. 

Voter Rights: The urgency of this project is further underscored by a 2024 US Department of Justice letter to the State of Alaska citing ADA compliance violations in various State of Alaska voting locations. The letter specifically noted problems with the steep grade of Homer City Hall’s handicap parking spaces and the absence of an accessible path from public sidewalks to the polling entry doors. By addressing these concerns, this project helps the City and State comply with legal requirements and affirms our shared dedication to equitable voting access.