Wheelchair Ramp OKd For San Francisco Supervisors' Chambers

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - After six years of contentious debate, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a plan Wednesday making their chambers completely wheelchair accessible.

The proposal calls for removing four of the five stairs leading to the president's raised platform, and adding a ramp to reach it. The desk used by the board's clerk would be lowered to the ground.

The city's Historic Preservation Commission has endorsed the design.

Since 2004, 18 plans have been considered. The issue emerged after Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair, joined the board. She won't, however, be using the ramp because she leaves office in January.

Public works officials say the proposal approved Tuesday costs $450,000. Construction could begin by next summer.

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