The City Council gave anyone who wanted to speak an opportunity to do so at the special session regarding merchandise on the avenue Tuesday night.  We have to remember the state owns the right of way and the city has to protect the people and people in wheelchairs who walk on the sidewalks.

The federal law and ADA states you must have 4 feet of clearance so everyone can get by.

The trees, benches and trash receptacles have to be considered in the 4 ft clearance.

Despite what some may say, the city could have done the easy thing and restrict anything from being put on the sidewalks as the current ordinance mandated, but instead they listened to everyone who wished to speak on the topic.

Of all the people who spoke, the main concern was to allow merchandise on the avenue 7 days a week and the council listened. Thanks city council for listening to the people.

Kim D. Simpson

Roanoke Rapids