{"items": [{"author": "Ari", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732", "anchor": "fb-991220658732", "service": "fb", "text": "Can you give us a sense how much money we are talking about here?", "timestamp": "1556241891"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991221691662", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991221691662", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Ari $36k total, though I don't know if they'd need us to raise all of it", "timestamp": "1556242428"}, {"author": "Ari", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991222115812", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991222115812", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff Kaufman How crazy would it be to borrow the money? The way you worded it, it sounded like they could treat this as a pre-payment and not just a big gift.", "timestamp": "1556242515"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991222210622", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991222210622", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Ari for BIDA to, or for the hall to?", "timestamp": "1556242562"}, {"author": "Ari", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991222360322", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991222360322", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff Kaufman You could imagine structuring it all sorts of ways. You could e.g. pre-sell admission or something, which is effectively borrowing from the dancers.", "timestamp": "1556242665"}, {"author": "Kristen", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991224446142", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991224446142", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Ari yah, paying for a year of dance admission ahead of time is something I would totally do if it meant A/C for the summer! Actually I would probably do it for convenience\u2019s sake anyways.", "timestamp": "1556243721"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991226656712", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991226656712", "service": "fb", "text": "→ A thing where dancers prepay is a really good idea for how to structure this.", "timestamp": "1556245014"}, {"author": "Ari", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991227270482", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991227270482", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff Kaufman In some sense that's just exposing to BIDA-goers the same financial structure that the Masons are exposing to BIDA.", "timestamp": "1556245243"}, {"author": "Maureen", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220658732&reply_comment_id=991231816372", "anchor": "fb-991220658732_991231816372", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Bloomington has started offering a full-year \"subscription\" for the dance so you can prepay for all the dances at once. No idea how many (in any) have taken advantage.", "timestamp": "1556248108"}, {"author": "Aloysius", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220943162", "anchor": "fb-991220943162", "service": "fb", "text": "Any air-conditioning system with A big crowd for a Dance only last for a few minutes first few minutes and start dancing it goes beyond the capacity of air conditioning system to feel like it\u2019s doing anythingunless it\u2019s a very small Group of peopleThenit feels hot again", "timestamp": "1556242093"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220943162&reply_comment_id=991221911222", "anchor": "fb-991220943162_991221911222", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Aloysius you can certainly make AC systems that can keep up with a while hall of dancers; I've danced in several such hall. I'm not sure whether this one is that powerful though, it's hard to tell.", "timestamp": "1556242490"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220943162&reply_comment_id=991222160722", "anchor": "fb-991220943162_991222160722", "service": "fb", "text": "→ This one has four units at 36kBTU each, which does seem powerful enough?", "timestamp": "1556242526"}, {"author": "Dan", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220943162&reply_comment_id=991222614812", "anchor": "fb-991220943162_991222614812", "service": "fb", "text": "→ +1 to this is possible: there's a dance studio in Austin that does this and it's a great place to host dances as a result. Even when it's packed more densely than you'd ever see for Contra, in 100 or even 110 degree heat, it stays nice and cool.
It seems like there should be some standard formulas to compute how much cooling you need given some basic constraints?", "timestamp": "1556242872"}, {"author": "Kitty", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991220943162&reply_comment_id=991225678672", "anchor": "fb-991220943162_991225678672", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Humidity needs to be taken into account though ... it's actually easier to cool air in a dry area than a humid area.", "timestamp": "1556244537"}, {"author": "Angela", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502", "anchor": "fb-991222270502", "service": "fb", "text": "Honestly, I would be more excited to do something like this to get them to make the building and stage 100% accessible. Probably that would cost more?", "timestamp": "1556242602"}, {"author": "Angela", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991222320402", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991222320402", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Or like to fix/replace the existing chair lifts at minimum.", "timestamp": "1556242650"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991226492042", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991226492042", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Wheelchair accessible would be much more expensive (elevators are expensive, and retrofitting elevators to existing buildings is more expensive, plus the bathrooms would need to be expanded and completely redone). And since it wouldn't bring in much additional revenue it's not a cash flow issue but a funding issue, which is again much harder.", "timestamp": "1556244877"}, {"author": "Leah", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991232355292", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991232355292", "service": "fb", "text": "→ On the other hand, wheelchair accessibility is an issue of ethics and justice in a way that summer dances aren't", "timestamp": "1556248578"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991235034922", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991235034922", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Leah I agree, but that doesn't bring it within our means", "timestamp": "1556250379"}, {"author": "Leah", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991268772312", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991268772312", "service": "fb", "text": "→ How outside-our-means is fixing the existing lifts? That wouldn't meet everyone's needs by a long shot, but it seems like an important first step.", "timestamp": "1556290067"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991272469902", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991272469902", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Leah fixing or replacing the existing lift (chair that goes up and down at the back door) is definitely practical, but I'm not sure if it would be useful to people? You can't use it unless you can walk, and it can't do a wheelchair/scooter. The feedback I've gotten from talking to one person who wanted to come to our events is that they still wouldn't be able to come with it fixed.", "timestamp": "1556291904"}, {"author": "Leah", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991272739362", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991272739362", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Got it -- thanks.", "timestamp": "1556292072"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991276197432", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991276197432", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff Kaufman replacing it with an inclined platform lift would accommodate scooters and eliminate the need to walk to use it, though the bathrooms would still not be accessible. However, those lifts are somewhat more expensive than chair lifts.", "timestamp": "1556293875"}, {"author": "Julie", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991222270502&reply_comment_id=991713695682", "anchor": "fb-991222270502_991713695682", "service": "fb", "text": "→ I think it would be great to look into an incline platform lift and see how much it would cost. In my travels I have sometimes come across dance halls that have them. Personally, I would prioritize having accessible dances for nine months of the year over air-conditioned summer dances. Even if we can't make the stage accessible, making the hall accessible would be a great start.", "timestamp": "1556589041"}, {"author": "Rob", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991252819282", "anchor": "fb-991252819282", "service": "fb", "text": "Are you saying that if the dance community raised the cash, the hall would grant us three years of usage in return?
The Scout House, as a venue, is further along in the quest for air conditioning. They may be able to lend some perspective and advice.", "timestamp": "1556280725"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991252819282&reply_comment_id=991256287332", "anchor": "fb-991252819282_991256287332", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Kind of? They want to do this but don't have the cash on hand to do it now. If we pay in advance for our next ~3y of dances then they'll have the cash to do it now. Of course we would then not have to pay them rent for the next three years because we would have already paid it.", "timestamp": "1556283411"}, {"author": "John", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991252819282&reply_comment_id=991561825032", "anchor": "fb-991252819282_991561825032", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff Kaufman paying the Masonic Hall in advance has some risk - what if there is a fire or they run into financial trouble?", "timestamp": "1556488435"}, {"author": "Jeff", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991283767262", "anchor": "fb-991283767262", "service": "fb", "text": "I definitely think we should help with the AC! I'd gladly pay in advance for several years of dances. And if the subscription price model is flat rate (rather than acting as a punch card), that would let BIDA price it based on projected attendance rate for subscribers and would also encourage subscribers to attend more. You could also introduce family subscriptions. And if you make subscriptions transferable, then people can buy them even if they think they may wind up moving out of town later, trusting that they'll be able to sell the remainder. Even if they wound up treating them as an investment commodity (not that I expect it), that shouldn't be a problem, assuming BIDA doesn't badly underprice them.", "timestamp": "1556299333"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991283767262&reply_comment_id=991285029732", "anchor": "fb-991283767262_991285029732", "service": "fb", "text": "→ As a sliding-scale dance I don't think these would be a great investment commodity!
But yeah, transferrable seems fine with me.", "timestamp": "1556299920"}, {"author": "Aloysius", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991562483712", "anchor": "fb-991562483712", "service": "fb", "text": "Are there people that don\u2019t want to dance in the heat or are they at Pinewood etc.", "timestamp": "1556488817"}, {"author": "Audrey", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991730482042", "anchor": "fb-991730482042", "service": "fb", "text": "I think this is a great idea - I\u2019d want to include some exit clause though in case it doesn\u2019t make sense for BIDA to be held there (or it burns down or whatnot)", "timestamp": "1556601442"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=991730482042&reply_comment_id=992209317452", "anchor": "fb-991730482042_992209317452", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Yes. Contract should obligate the Masonic Hall to provide the venue for the dance, or else pay a given amount in damages for breaking the contract. Then, if the Masons sell the building to a hotel developer, BIDA gets a fair settlement immediately, no hassle.", "timestamp": "1556895549"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842", "anchor": "fb-994969091842", "service": "fb", "text": "Update: we decided we didn't want to lock in 3+ years at a hall that isn't wheelchair accessible, and the Masons are open to us prepaying in order to fund an inclined platform lift. Once they've gotten quotes we'll start fundraising.
AC is still likely to happen at some point, probably before Summer 2020, but most likely funded by the Masons.", "timestamp": "1558622189"}, {"author": "Kiran", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995090129282", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995090129282", "service": "fb", "text": "→ I suppose it's a wash if the A/C arrives on the same schedule as it would if it were funded by the dancers, but I have to wonder if accessibility will turn out to be as popular as A/C with the majority of people who would be prepaying.", "timestamp": "1558690441"}, {"author": "Jeff", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995126651092", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995126651092", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Kiran I believe popularity is not the point and that this is more about supporting minorities in the face of majorities. But popularity does impact fundraising.", "timestamp": "1558713803"}, {"author": "Kiran", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995131042292", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995131042292", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Exactly. I'm sure there are people who would prepay for A/C but wouldn't prepay for this. The question is, how many.", "timestamp": "1558716622"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995139031282", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995139031282", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Kiran for what it's worth, this is also likely to be substantially cheaper than AC: ~$7k vs ~$35k", "timestamp": "1558721442"}, {"author": "Leah", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995139884572", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995139884572", "service": "fb", "text": "→ (Purely anecdotal, but I intend to contribute to this even though it doesn't directly affect me or people I'm close to, and I don't know if I would have contributed to A/C. Predicting popularity is tough, but it isn't always as simple as \"How many people will benefit?\" or \"How fun is it?\")", "timestamp": "1558721853"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=994969091842&reply_comment_id=995140573192", "anchor": "fb-994969091842_995140573192", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Both AC and a lift are also an easier sell than many kinds of fundraising because we're probably only going to look for prepayment, not donations.", "timestamp": "1558722171"}, {"author": "Patrick", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032", "anchor": "fb-995520891032", "service": "fb", "text": "Serious question, what can someone wheelchair bound do at BIDA? Is there some way to incorporate them into dancing or is it just for spectators?", "timestamp": "1558957935"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995524079642", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995524079642", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Patrick I know at least one wheelchair user who contra dances in their chair occasionally, though they are also an elite level athlete. I expect at our events this would mostly be used by people who wanted to come to listen and socialize. There are also some callers, musicans, and sound people who use wheelchairs or scooters.
(There are also people who have trouble with stairs, who would be able to use the lift.)", "timestamp": "1558960603"}, {"author": "Tony", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995531464842", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995531464842", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Yes, it's important for the performers and the crew, whether or not any patrons need it.", "timestamp": "1558965293"}, {"author": "Julie", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995541230272", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995541230272", "service": "fb", "text": "→ There are people who contra dance in wheelchairs. There are also people who need wheelchairs some of the time and not others, or have difficulty with stairs, like Jeff said.
But perhaps more importantly to me, if we're doing it right, the dance is a community. If someone has an illness or an injury they shouldn't have to leave the community.There are so many more things there than the actual motions of dancing. The friendly faces, the wonderful music, the happy vibe. a
And for some people, a feeling of belonging. The BIDA dance is designed to encourage socializing. That's why we have potluck snacks at the break. I have always really wanted to have tables around for socializing, but there isn't enough room in the hall.
I've been on the BIDA board for more than 10 years, since it was founded. Five years ago, after an illness, I had to start using a wheelchair. I still do work for BIDA, for a dance that I cannot attend without a lot of difficulty. It's hard to feel invisible, or disconnected.
To me one of the most wonderful things about contra dancing is that is easy to learn and welcoming to all. Everyone should be welcome at a contradance, as long as they behave in a way that supports the community. So we have to reduce as many barriers as possible for people to attend, or else we're not truly being welcoming.
If someone's mobility changes, they shouldn't just have to leave their community. And also, there may be people who would want to join our community, even if they can't dance some or all of the time. This community includes performers, organizers, crew, and just the people who come to dance and be a part of the social setting.", "timestamp": "1558970838"}, {"author": "Julie", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995552856972", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995552856972", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Beautifully said, Julie.", "timestamp": "1558974775"}, {"author": "Paulina", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995602282922", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995602282922", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Julie, thank you for explaining the reason for accessibility so well.
I just also want to add, as a contra dancer who now mostly dances using her wheelchair, I very much dislike \"wheelchair bound\" as a descriptor. My wheelchair has enabled me to come back to contra in a functional way, as well as facilitated everyday life tasks like groceries and also my PhD studies. I use forearm crutches otherwise, but they just aren't functional when you need to carry things, can be tiring to use for long distances, and as you can imagine don't work well at all for holding hands.
Using a wheelchair is freedom, and doesn't preclude dancing, it facilitates it for people whom dancing standing is either very difficult or impossible. Wheelchair dancers are fairly rare in contra, but part of this, like in other dance communities is due to dance halls being physically inaccessible, on the assumption that if you are here to dance, surely you can do some stairs.
So kudos to BIDA for prioritizing accessibility. It means so much to me as a contra dancer who still wants to dance, but now uses a wheelchair so the 5 steps into my home dance are not an option but with access to a lift, I can still be part of the community, and we can have lovely musicians like Julie come play.", "timestamp": "1558998001"}, {"author": "Angela", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995520891032&reply_comment_id=995683654852", "anchor": "fb-995520891032_995683654852", "service": "fb", "text": "→ I'm super excited that BIDA is pursuing this instead of air conditioning. BIDA's mission has always been community-first, and quarterly events like the Open Band and Family Dances, at the very least, should certainly be accessible to individuals of all abilities.", "timestamp": "1559058465"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922", "anchor": "fb-995535416922", "service": "fb", "text": "Maybe I'm remembering incorrectly, but I thought the side entrance (North end of building) was at the end of a long hallway, where an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp could be done indoors. With little modification, entry could be in the side door on a level surface, then ramp down. Maybe a longer level section, with a door on the side to the stage, before ramping down. Is this a workable solution?", "timestamp": "1558967762"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995538301142", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995538301142", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Michael there's a wall a few feet past the bottom of the stairs which would need to be removed if they went with a ramp. And I think the ramp might go far enough that they would lose the (less used set of) double doors from the hallway to the hall?", "timestamp": "1558969087"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995551255182", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995551255182", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Removing a wall, putting in structure as needed if it was a supporting wall, is relatively easy. Moving doors between hallway and dance hall is relatively easy. Or, if ADA ramp would go just a little too long for those double doors, cheat a little on ADA standards, I think a slightly steeper ramp angle is acceptable for renovation in an old building, if required by the constraints of the building. Access to stage, at one of the required flat rest stops in the middle of a long ADA ramp, could be at a slightly incorrect level with respect to the stage, then there would be a door access to a platform on the stage, and a short ramp down to stage level from there. What's really important is that ramp construction, when it's done, it's done. You've probably checked into the cost of the wheelchair lift, and you might have considered long term expenses for repairs of the wheelchair lift. But check with the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, about the issues they have with required inspections for wheelchair lifts in a public space in Massachusetts, it's apparently a major unexpected expense for them.", "timestamp": "1558974199"}, {"author": "Paulina", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995563271102", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995563271102", "service": "fb", "text": "→ As a wheelchair user, I would much prefer a ramp where feasible, but not in the situation where the ramp needs to be steeper than ADA requirements as that is plenty steep enough with long ramps.
I find keyed lifts quite frustrating, as they tend to not be easy to operate for the floor managers at my local dance (there are a handful of people including the president of TCD who know how to make it go smoothly, but in general it is quite a production).
If you do end up going for a ramp, I strongly encourage railings for the length of it, as that is the easiest way for me to go up by grabbing them in a fashion that is vaguely like rowing.
I want to also thank you so much for prioritizing accessibility, because it makes it so much easier for me to go to dances when contra organizations think of all possible dancers, not just the able bodied ones.", "timestamp": "1558980564"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995570416782", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995570416782", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Paulina, I see that there is a movement to require wider ramps, which may be helpful for some people, but which would prevent you (and others) from using both handrails.", "timestamp": "1558983843"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995570491632", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995570491632", "service": "fb", "text": "→ My comment above about a slightly steeper ramp, was intended to be applied if, for example, an ADA ramp for the dance hall would extend a foot or so into the doorway at the end of about 30 feet of ramp. The slight increase in slope would not be noticeable, the doorway would not have to be reconstructed.", "timestamp": "1558983885"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995573884832", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995573884832", "service": "fb", "text": "→ It's eight steps, at something like 7in each, so at ADA 1:12 slope we're talking ~56ft. Then you need a 5ft rest platform in the middle since it's >30ft. So say 60ft. That's long enough to fully cover the double door and probably the single door as well. It would be a big ramp!", "timestamp": "1558985458"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995573924752", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995573924752", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Michael as for ramp width, MA now requires 48\"", "timestamp": "1558985491"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995575222152", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995575222152", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff, based on your numbers and a few guesses, it's unclear whether the long ramp would be feasible. But consider a short ramp to a platform with a door to the stage, then wheelchair lift from that platform down to hallway floor. The Greenfield Grange has two wheelchair lifts, one for the stage alone, and you would like to get by with one rather than two. Or maybe none, which still might be feasible.", "timestamp": "1558985982"}, {"author": "Michael", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995576270052", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995576270052", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Jeff, the front of that stage is going to stay where it is. The stage is much larger than it needs to be. That side door entry could be into a level entryway, then a door on the side to the stage. Ramp down across the back wall of the stage to a level area of stage. And then continue ramping down across the back wall, square level landing at the corner, and ramp down further along the outside wall of the building. Lots of ramp, but the space it's using is not really needed for any other purpose. This may be the only legal way to put a ramp in, if the rarely used double doors to the dance hall are a required fire exit.", "timestamp": "1558986473"}, {"author": "Jeff Kaufman", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995592906712", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995592906712", "service": "fb", "text": "→ Michael that cuts off a different fire exit, and the stairs from the stage down to the basement.
I think fitting in a ramp is hard, and especially hard to talk about without being there.", "timestamp": "1558994851"}, {"author": "Paulina", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=995535416922&reply_comment_id=995603685112", "anchor": "fb-995535416922_995603685112", "service": "fb", "text": "→ 48\" isn't actually that wide, at least not for me. The ramps I have problems with are more in the 2m or more range, which exceeds my armspan. Even in that case, if I can at least get one handrail it is better than what is a trend around Toronto lately which is to make the grade of the ramp such that it doesn't require handrails, which is really annoying to me, and problematic for my friend with balance issues who walks up/down ramps because stairs are not feasible, but even ramps can be hard without something to hold on to.", "timestamp": "1558998550"}, {"author": "Steve", "source_link": "https://www.facebook.com/jefftk/posts/991219241572?comment_id=10100111561366962", "anchor": "fb-10100111561366962", "service": "fb", "text": "That would've been a good question for this guy with a blog which I am a fan of...(https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/author/user-1004076) Maybe you can just get a dehumidifier and/or a portable a/c and close the windows and door and just pay for the electricity used..and maybe add a portable HEPA filter and we might be all set.", "timestamp": "1568693907"}]}