SEATTLE - The elimination of all the handicapped parking spots on the grounds of the Seattle Center has upset organizations for the disabled.
The spots were removed for construction of a garden and pedestrian walkway between the Intiman and the Seattle Repertory theaters. But, those who can't walk are having a hard time getting to the Seattle Center.
Several replacement disabled spots were installed across the street from the Center. It's too far and too dangerous according to many disabled drivers.
"It bothers me that people in city government make these decisions without thinking of the impact it has on people." says Judye Allman, who is in a wheel chair after a motorcycle accident.
The Center also added disabled parking in the Mercer garage, but disabled vans are too tall for it and it has a block-long sloping grade. In all, the 13 disabled spots have been replaced with 39.
Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams hopes disabled organizations will compromise.
"If you go into this and the only thing that can appease you is to put everything back the way it was, then nothing will ever get done," said Nellams.
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