Handicapped parking spots removed at Sheboygan City Hall

SHEBOYGAN (WITI) -- A recent decision at Sheboygan City Hall eliminated two handicapped parking spaces that had been reserved for physically impaired Aldermen, leaving just two handicapped spots in the entire parking lot.

Scott Lewandoske, 5th District Alderman, says he's concerned about the building's accessibility for him, as well as anyone else who may need it. He says he'd like the spaces, located behind the building, to come back.

"I'm trying to stick up for handicapped people," said Lewandoske. "We would still be able to get in, and it'd be a lot closer for us, and it would still allow handicapped parking spots for other people."

Sheboygan Mayor Michael Vandersteen says the two rear spaces were eliminated after an interior lift broke and had to be removed.

"I really feel it's too crowded back here, you know, you talk about getting a fire truck back here in an emergency, you don't want to have cars parked in this small, narrow access way," said Vandersteen.

The Mayor adds that the city's Strategic Planning Committee is addressing concerns regarding the 100-year-old building's future.

"We've got a lot that may need to be fixed up here, too, and we just don't know if the citizens want to put that kind of money into maintaining this old building or not," said Vandersteen. "If we need to put more handicapped spaces in, we'll look into that."