Milwaukee neighborhood fighting to make streets safer for blind, disabled

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --A Milwaukee neighborhood is fighting for safer streets for its blind and disabled residents.

A request has been submitted to the city’s Department of Public Works for improvements to the intersection at Clement and Oklahoma.

Longer cross times have been granted, but for now, audible beeps for the visually impaired will not be installed.

Danita Jackson is blind and crosses at the intersection often.

“I can’t get across that street independently or safely,” she said.

She says beeping would let her know when it’s too dangerous to cross, as well as help guide her toward the traffic pole to press the cross button.

Jackson and neighborhood activist Bob Piechocki took her concerns to Alderman Tony Zielinski.

His office submitted the request for the improvements, and the DPW determined they weren’t high enough in priority.

“It’s just a shame our resources are so limited,” Piechocki said.

If you'd like to view the full DPW document of Milwaukee's intersections that have been improved as well as those waiting on work see below.