Editor,

Mr. Darrell Bryan of Clipper Vacations wrote a letter saying a funicular should be considered as a tourist attraction and as transport for the mobility impaired. His reasons and the information he provided do not make sense in support of a funicular.

Although it is debatable whether a funicular would be a tourist attraction, it is ridiculous to use $500,000 of taxpayer money for that purpose. Grant money is for a need not a tourist attraction.

The Record noted in late November when plans were made for the Clipper’s tours that Mr. Bryan cited one single reason why the Clipper had discontinued visits to Langley and that was difficulties maneuvering in the harbor. Mr. Bryan did not express any concerns for the Wharf Street hill or the handling of the few mobility impaired passengers. The Clipper has committed to five visits. Surely, if the Wharf Street hill had been a major concern, the Clipper would have stated so. Mr. Bryan now says that golf carts may not be fully ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. He was aware earlier that golf carts were being used yet had voiced no concerns.

However Mr. Bryan learned of the funicular and was motivated to write. He seems unaware that: 1) the proposed funicular station on Cascade Avenue creates an 1,100-foot walk to the nearest destination in town on the bluff side, much farther than from the base of Wharf Street; 2) Cascade Avenue is sloped to such an extent that many with physical challenges could not comfortably proceed; 3) no pedestrian crosswalks or curbs exist in much of Langley for the mobility impaired; and 4) no parking lot will be adjacent to the Cascade Avenue station for those with mobility issues. Hence, the claim that a funicular is the solution for ADA accessibility completely fails.

The mobility-challenged will face a steeper ascent up the marina gangplank during low tide than up the Wharf Street hill. ADA accessibility of the gangplank is apparently not an issue.

Few are fooled by claims that ADA compliance is best achieved with a funicular. ADA accessibility is not a priority in Langley unless it suits someone’s agenda.

MARELLE SADLER

Langley