A new funding program could soon be launched in Gräfelfing. Financial subsidies for the barrier-free conversion of entrances to shops should be an incentive for homeowners to convert and make shopping easier for people with restricted mobility. The municipal administration was skeptical as to whether the application could be implemented by the Gräfelfing-Lochham citizens’ association. Because especially with existing buildings, major interventions are usually necessary to enable barrier-free access. But the members of the social committee were impressed by the idea.
One or two steps up to the shop door of the bakery are insurmountable for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Applicant Günter Roll thought that shopkeepers or homeowners should be given an impetus to convert through a funding program. He did not accept the municipal administration’s objection that it was not enough, because usually a shop door would also have to be expensively rebuilt. Once you’ve climbed the steps, a “nice person” would hold the door open. The program could go through a testing phase to see if the funds would be drawn at all.
Jürgen Evers (Green/Independent List) spoke out in favor of supporting the application and trying out whether the incentive would have an effect. The suggestion of parliamentary colleague Katharina Weber was finally included in the unanimous resolution: A funding program should be developed in cooperation with the competence center for barrier-free living. During an on-site visit, the experts could assess whether and how accessibility can be implemented.
Park benches with armrests and more space at e-charging stations
In addition, the social committee has decided on three measures that are intended to bring about more inclusion in the community in the short term: Some park benches are to be equipped with armrests for support, e-charging stations are to be made barrier-free where there is enough space for them and joints in the cobblestones are to be filled in order to Avoid wheelchair accidents. The Greens/Independent List had proposed this in an application.
However, a barrier-free conversion of the music school, which was also required there, still has to wait. Although the construction measure is basically planned, it cannot be implemented at the moment, said Peter Köstler (CSU) at the meeting. The conversion would mean a significant intervention in the existing building and would be very costly, since the installation of an elevator would also be necessary. The building administration is currently unable to handle such a project. But it should remain on the long-term agenda. The committee rejected the establishment of a council for people with disabilities, on the grounds that there was already a committee in the form of the working group for inclusion in the Würmtal valley.