Patch Watch: Los Gatos Boulevard Sidewalk, between Lark Avenue and Garden Lane

On a recent Monday morning, a jogger running southbound on the west side of Los Gatos Boulevard, between Lark Avenue and Garden Lane, almost hits two PG&E poles as he tries to maneuver himself on the sliver of sidewalk he's using to avoid being in traffic.

The ADA non-compliant sidewalk, about half a block long and across from the, is located in front of the San Jose Water Company property.

The sidewalk is almost completely inaccessible to other pedestrians, much less those with disabilities in mobility scooters or wheelchairs or persons pushing strollers.

LOCATION: Southbound Los Gatos Boulevard west sidewalk, between Lark Avenue and Garden Lane.

PROBLEM: ADA non-compliant sidewalk prevents those in mobility scooters, wheelchairs from safe passage. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, building on an earlier law requiring curb ramps in new, altered, and existing sidewalks, added impetus to improving conditions for sidewalk users. People with disabilities rely on the pedestrian and transit infrastructure, and the links between them, for access and mobility.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department, which is responsible for maintaining the town's public parks, facilities, and infrastructure. The department is comprised of five organizational units: administration, engineering and capital projects, parks and forestry, facilities and streets and signals.

CONTACT: Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department, (408) 399-5770, or email department director Todd Capurso at tcapurso@losgatosca.gov.

DATE REPORTED: Nov. 28, 2011

DAYS ON WATCH: 1