BURLINGTON, Vt. -
The Church Street Marketplace is one of the premiere attractions of Burlington but many of the old buildings weren't friendly to physically handicapped people when they were built.
The buildings on Church Street, like Ken's Pizza and Pub, were built before the American Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 meaning that many weren't in compliance with rules designed to give access to people with a handicap.
"An architect came in and analyzed the building and came up with suggestions to make it handicap accessible," Ken's co-owner Debra Miller said
In coordination with US Attorney's office the restaurant has made adjustments to make their establishment more handicap friendly. By renovating to the restroom buying a portable ramp and new chairs and tables to make the restaurant easier to navigate, Ken's has nearly met all the requirements to comply with the ADA.
"We kind of met in the middle as best we could realizing how old the building is," Miller said.
But it's not just Ken's that is working to comply. Restaurants up and down Church Street are trying to meet ADA guidelines.
"They came in 2010 with tape measurers and said this door isn't wide enough. This door needs to open automatically," Leunig's Bistro owner Bob Conlon said.
But Conlon was quick to point out the renovations were pretty costly.
"You know it cost us about $13,000 to do the renovations but we are now in compliance," Conlon said.
Conlon and Miller hoped the government would help to pay for the changes. Miller says it's possible they will receive tax credits for the work which took close to two years for both restaurants.
"It did cost us a lot of money we did feel like it was something we really wanted to have the accessibility also," Miller said.
Church Street Tavern Three Tomatoes Tratorria and Scuffer Ale and Steak House have also taken measures to comply with the American Disabilities Act.
