By Gina Martinez
The new Americans with Disabilities Act ramp at PS 201 is ready for use just in time for elections.
City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) and state Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing) joined PS 201 Principal Rebecca Lozada last Friday in announcing the PS 201 polling site will return for Pomonok residents in Election Districts 62/25, 40/27, and 85/27. Construction on the new ADA ramp ended this spring.
Lancman provided $375,000 in capital funds to support the creation of the new ramp, while Simanowitz provided $250,000 in funding.
According to Lancman, PS 201 has not been used as a polling site since 2013 because the school did not have an ADA ramp on its premises. The new ramp will enable the school to be a polling site for the community in the 2017-2018 election year and enable individuals with disabilities to easily access the school.
“The return of the PS 201 polling site will make it easier for Pomonok residents to cast their ballots and participate in our democracy,” Lancman said. “The new ADA ramp will ensure that PS 201 is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. I am proud to partner with Assemblyman Simanowitz, the Board of Elections, and the PS 201 administration to improve access to the polls in our neighborhood.”
Simanowitz said the new ADA ramp will benefit the entire community.
“This addition ensures a safe and accessible polling place for Pomonok residents to vote and participate in neighborhood events,” he said. “I am proud to partner with Council member Lancman and demonstrate that the city and state can successfully work together to achieve tangible results for our constituents. ”
Lozada said that there is no greater flaw in a school than the inability to provide families with accessibility to events in the building.
“Our entire school community now has the ability to freely participate in all the exciting events that happen at our STEAM magnet school,” she said.
Monica Corbett, president of the Pomonok Residents Association, thanked the elected officials for the new ramp.
“As a person with mobility issues, who used to have PS 201 as my voting site, the new ramp is a blessing,” she said.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
