Utility pole smack dab in middle of Miami sidewalk creates access issues

MIAMI – In Steve Wright’s world, disabilities are respected and diversity is celebrated.

“Inequity really upsets me,” Wright said.

A utility pole put in the middle of the sidewalk, along with several lamp posts, prompted posts on his social media.

“If I walk a mile, or two, I can see a dozen things that are not right,” he said. “It doesn’t solve it, but once you have a significant percent of people who experience that, you tend to not be so tone deaf.”

Wright said his mom was disabled, with a ramp outside his home from years of being a caregiver to someone who used a wheelchair.

A utility pole, in the middle of the sidewalk at Southwest 32nd Avenue and Coral Way in Miami, really got under his skin.

“Look, there’s a lady with a stroller, right now,” he pointed out to Local 10 News’ Layron Livingston. “Kids on bicycles, all these different things that are safe for mobility (couldn’t access this sidewalk).

Matt Dietz is a disability attorney who spoke with Local 10 News about the situation.

“When you don’t have accessible sidewalks, you cannot be independent,” he said. “If the city is responsible for the sidewalk, the city is responsible for access in the sidewalks and to sidewalks.”

The legality of accessibility comes into view, literally, across the street.

“Because all the city has to say is, you want access, go across the street,” Dietz said.

After Local 10 News reached out to the city of Miami, a technician with the Public Works Department showed up and took measurements and photos.

They determined that whoever installed the sidewalk-blocking pole, did so improperly and it needs to be removed.

“You shouldn’t have to force someone to go out of their way to get the same access as every able-bodied person has,” said Dietz.

Local 10 News has been told that the next step is figuring out which utility company or contractor put the pole up in the first place, and contacting them to correct the issue.