Ever notice those bumpy handicapped ramps on sidewalks in some neighborhoods?
They're required by federal law and only now are people discovering that even though PennDOT installed many of them and the feds mandated them, you might be on the hook for repairing or replacing them.
In Forest City, one of them is in need of repairs or even a full replacement.
"We have patients who use wheelchairs and other means to get around. It's important for them to be able to get into our office easily," said Margaret Tomazic who works at a doctor's office.
No one is disputing the need for the ramps which are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, or A.D.A. Even though the ramps are federally mandated, PennDOT said Forest City Borough is responsible for their repairs or replacements, not the state or federal government.
"It`s federally mandated, perhaps the federal government should be more responsible for that," said Tomazic.
PennDOT's only responsible for things from the curb to the curb, whereas in Vandling Borough several years ago new sidewalks were installed along with the A.D.A. compliant ramps. If they or the sidewalk deteriorate, property owners are on the hook.
"I may be on the hook, but I'll fight them right to the bottom of the lake," said Thomas Yadlosky who's spent his entire life of 80 years living at the same home on Main Street in Vandling.
Yadlosky did not want the sidewalk to begin with. Even though the ramps are concrete and yellow paint, if they need maintenance, Yadlosky is not budging.
"I want nothing to do with it," he said.
According to a company that sells ramps like the ones in Forest City, just one can cost more than $130. The cost of replacing a concrete ramp would likely be more.