This is something I would not be paying attention to if my mother had not experienced a serious cardiac incident several years ago, nearly resulting in her death. She talks a good game, but has a very difficult time making it from one side of a large department store to another. Tombstone will soon be completely inaccessible to her and to anyone who has serious physical problems. Constant Tombstone visitors who have physical limitations have found themselves asking if those who are not physically perfect are even wanted in the town now. In my mother’s case, the ones who will suffer are the local merchants. All protests to the contrary, my mother is a Major League shopper. One of our favorite shopping spots is The Shady Lady’s Closet. It is a great place for unusual items, skirts, shawls, shoes, handbags, hats, and jackets, in all price ranges. My mother hits it several times a year for birthday and Christmas gifts, usually spending no less than several thousand dollars, all totaled.
I’ve been in retail and know what it means to lose a customer who spends that kind of money. The loss of just a half dozen customers like that would soon run into the five-figure mark for a small retail store. My sources have told me that complaints have been filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has already agreed to look into the situation. It is a Federal lawsuit just waiting to happen.
Those who are having a problem with the “authenticity” problem of eliminating usable handicapped parking are also asking if the gorgeous new green metal benches placed in select locations are “authentic.” Of course, people like my 85-year-old father will be unable to enjoy the benches because it will be difficult for him to walk the few blocks necessary now that there is no place for him to park. The only restaurants that will be available for someone like my parents will be those on the outskirts of town. Part III will focus on the shootout outside of the OK Corral.
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
That's "progress."