Opening Remarks:
Dominic Marinelli, United Spinal Association

Construction Update:
Mike Sabatini, HOK Sport

Ed Roether, HOK Sport

Exterior Update:
Karl Metz, Jack L. Gordon Architects, PC AIA

NYC Transit Update:
Janet Lamphier, Assistant to the President
Larry Gould, Senior Operations

Ticket Policy Update:
Kleo King, United Spinal Association

Construction Update:

Facade is near completion
Two light towers are in place
Rotunda → Main entrance 160 ft wide x 70 ft tall – It is enclosed now so you have a sense of the grandeur. Slide shows the details of the brick arches which give it an Ebbets Field look and feel. The Rotunda is dedicated to Jackie Robinson which will have a time line of his accomplishments and the 9 tenets he lived by. Jackie’s images will be on facade and glass.

Team store, ticket booth, ATMs, and elevators, stairs and escalators to the levels will all be located off of the Rotunda.
Concrete block walls are beginning to be put up.
Men’s and Women’s Rooms will be designated by colors (red and green) as well as signage.

All concession/service counters are at 34 inches off the finished floor.

Question – Are the concession stands equipped with an induction loop?
Response – The cost is not the most concerning issue since it is relatively inexpensive but there are technical issues with providing an induction loop for the concessions, including bleed from adjacent signals.
Update - United Spinal followed-up with contacts provided by Janice Schacter (Fred Palm) who indicated that concession stands would need to provide audio amplification for a loop system. Audio amplification systems will not be provided within Concessions within the new Citi Field

Question – Are menus in alternate formats?
Response – Alternate formats other than signage is the responsibility of the concessionaire, who has not yet determined menu provisions for concession stands. The signage package for concession stands not yet done but United Spinal will consider accommodations for those with disabilities when we review this issue.

Question – Are menus in alternate formats?
Response – signage package for concession stands not yet done but we will consider accommodations for those with disabilities when we review that package.
Score boards – all boards have captioning capability

Parking:

West parking lot:
4100 spaces of that 209 are accessible and 37 are van accessible

North parking lot:
845 spaces of that 43 are accessible and 10 are van accessible

South parking lot:
602 spaces of that 31 are accessible and 6 are van accessible

Total: 5,560 spaces, 283 accessible, 53 van accessible

MTA Plaza is further south
Pasaralle is replaced with stairs, 6 inch riser 200 ft x 200 ft

NYC Transit Update:
Janet Lanphier, Assistant to the President 646-252-5800
Larry Gould, Senior Director, Operations Analysis

Janet stated that NYCT is looking into the possibility of the Q48 or an alternative serving as a shuttle from Flushing Main Street stop to stadium on game days. She asked audience for suggestions –
Response – extend service on Q32 & Q66 to the stadium on game day.

There are 2 solutions for this project:
Long term → proper ADA accessible station – agreed making it accessible is a
good idea but didn’t say would do it, out of 420 station complexes, station is
ranked at number 232 = low ridership

Short Term → a capital plan project will include painting, platform work and closing gaps. MTA Board has been approached to get an extra $2 million approved for project

Question: Can the Q32 bus line extend service from Penn Station considering it a limited service (stated that unions are for it)?
Response: It will be looked into and considered.

Question: Can there be 1 escalator (exterior) instead of walking up stairs?
Response: No because it will be problematic because of rain and snow. Stairs rebuilt by Mets.

Suggestion from audience: have shuttles run from more then 1 location.

Many complained that police vehicles are sometimes parked in accessible spaces.

Matt Sapolin replied by saying when you see this issue, get the exact location, let him know and it will be brought to the attention of the Police Commissioner.

Question: Currently, there is a lack of space for police vehicles, is there an area for police in the architectural plan?
Response: Not as of now. However, North side which is 300 ft long is designated for back of house operations such as camera crew, team buses, etc.

Question: Who will operate parking lot?
Response: Mets will hire an independent group.

Park Chop Hill: will be accessible – paved, include crosswalk, slope has been redone but can not say what new slope is.

Ticket Policy:

We asked for guidance from DOJ as far as fraud and ticket policy is concerned.

Also, asked for guidelines as to accommodations for people with other disabilities such as hard of hearing, low vision, etc. DOJ has stated that wheelchair locations can not be offered to people with non-mobility disabilities (i.e.: visual disabilities) until section sells out and tickets for wheelchair locations can be released.

Best idea will be for all with concerns to write to DOJ, the more voices the more likely they will address the issues.

Question: Will Shea put aside separate seats for people who have other disabilities?
Response: Everyone will work together on reasonable accommodations

Citi Field Accessibility
Minutes from 7/18/07 Outreach Meeting at Shea Stadium

Opening Remarks:
Dominic Marinelli, United Spinal Association

Update on Construction of Citi Field:
Mike Sabatini, HOK Sport

Slide show presentation of construction photos:
• Steel in Administration Building and on all 3 levels of stadium in place.
• Lower deck seating bowl in place.
• Elevator towers in place.
• Brick and concrete façade along 126th Street in place.
• Concourse will be a soot color (midnight blue) and seats will be a deep green color.

Communication Update on Signage:
Mike Sabatini, HOK Sport and Dominic Marinelli, United Spinal Association

• Directional signage will be provided throughout stadium – signs will have a dark background (either black, blue or maroon) with white figures.
• Exterior plaza directory – although some elements will be raised, directory will be more graphic than tactile.
• Discussion about creating a tactile relief map that individuals can get familiar with prior to attending a game at the stadium. Some attendees felt that it may be a burden to make individuals make a special trip to stadium in order to familiarize themselves with relief map.
• Discussion about the possibility of using talking signs or individual listening devices as an alternative to using a relief map. Would it be difficult to use these types of signs because of how wide open the stadium is?
• Suggestion – there could be “designated areas” where signs could be placed, similar to how subway signs that are always placed on right side of 1st pole.
• Joel Ziev suggested that we reconvene Communication Task Group and discuss communication issues in greater detail (involve 212 – concession company).
• Ken Stewart asked if elevators will include both a high and low control panel – individuals with visual impairments have difficulty using control panels located at the lower accessible height. United Spinal indicated that the elevators planned have a single control panel that will be within the accessible reach ranges required. It is not possible for a second panel at this point in the project.
• There will be 2 food menus provided in stadium - one inside and one outside.
• Ken Stewart suggested that color contrast be used within toilet rooms – do not put a white urinal against a white wall.
• There will be 2 signs identifying toilet rooms – one located to right of door at an accessible height and one “blade” sign, sticking out from the wall and located high on wall so that individuals walking down concourse can see.
• Suggestion to provide raised seat numbers on seats, particularly helpful on aisle seats.

Questions:

Will signs in stadium be accessible? Yes, all signage provided both within the stadium and outside the stadium will be accessible. Designation signage will be mounted at the required accessible height.

Will concession stands be accessible? Yes, all concession stands will be at an accessible height.

Will accessible toilet stalls be identified with signage? Yes, accessible toilet stalls will be identified with signage including the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Will there be any unisex toilet rooms? Yes, there will be 14 unisex toilet rooms and all will be identified with signage as “unisex toilet rooms” not as “family rooms.”

Will all toilet stalls be accessible? No, each toilet room will have one accessible toilet stall. HOK Sports is referencing the newer codes, even though they are not yet being used in NYC, in order to provide greater accessibility, such as the addition of unisex toilet rooms.

Will the toilets be auto flush? Yes

Will signage include both upper and lower case letters, which is easier to read for individuals with visual impairments? Signs with visual characters will include both upper and lower case letters. ADAAG and ANSI standards require signs with tactile characters to be uppercase letters.

What is the Fun Zone? This name may be changed – it includes the wiffle ball field and pitching machines.

Communication Update on Assistive Listening System:
Joel Ziev, Partners for Access, LLC

• Joel wanted to clarify that we should be using the term “captioning” rather than “closed-captioning.”
• FM system does not work in meeting rooms. Induction loop will be provided to allow those having T-Coil to use their hearing aids instead of getting a receiver.
• One of the 17 ticket booths located in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda will be provided with a loop system. System will be tested – if more are needed, this can be done easily, without too much of an expense.
• All ticket booths will be provided with audio amplification.
• Comment by attendee that not all Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) have volume controls, so can be difficult to use without hearing aid. Jarrod Esposito, who set-up Assistive Listening System in meeting room, pointed out the ALDs he uses have volume controls.
• Rick Morin commented that many stadiums have a 2-channel FM system for individuals who want to use a radio. Sometimes broadcasts are delayed up to 12 seconds. He supports Infinity Corporation’s decision to stop using a delay in Gillette Park next season and hopes that the Mets will not implement a delay in their FM system.
• Citi Field will have a 2 channel FM system – one channel will be PA and the other is to be determined.
• As of now, captioning will be provided on two signs, one provided on right field side and other provided at left field side.

Questions:

How will ticket booth with loop system be identified? Ticket booth provided with loop system will be identified with signage. Discussion about which of the 17 booths is the best choice for the loop system – center booth or booth to far right?

How many ticket booths are accessible? All ticket booths are at an accessible height.

Can an attendee see the captioning boards if they are sitting in the upper deck? Captioning boards can be seen from all seats within stadium.

Transportation Update:
John Ingram, Jack Gordon Architects

• Identified entrances located on North, South and on 126th Street.
• #7 train is not accessible – Mets have met with MTA but nothing is resolved.
• Cross rail is in way of construction.
• Willets Point – RFP from City for development.
• MTA will be increasing the width of stairway from satellite station.
• Attendees suggested putting pressure on elected officials and borough president to ensure that MTA makes #7 train accessible by opening day of new stadium.
• Although the Mets don’t have control over MTA and the accessibility of #7 train, there could be bad press on opening day for Mets if no accessible public transportation is provided to Citi Field.
• MTA spokesperson, Joseph Raskin, said that he would notify MTA about our discussion on #7 train.
• Suggestion to invite MTA to our next Outreach Meeting at Shea Stadium.
• Victor Calise from NYC Parks and Janet Gangloff from the Tennis Center also want the #7 train to be accessible since their constituents use same subway line – suggestion that all interested parties meet to discuss meeting with MTA.
• Discussion on possible pick-up and drop-off locations for Access-a-Ride at Citi Field.
• Ed Roether from HOK Sports pointed out that police may have to be involved in the selection of pick-up and drop-off locations due to security issues.
• Suggestion to provide pick-up and drop-off locations with coverage from inclement weather.
• Suggestion to make sure that pick-up locations can be seen from stadium so that individuals can keep a look out and see when Access-a-Ride vans arrive.
• 126th Street has 30,000-40,000 square feet of retail space that individuals may visit on non-game days so may want an Access-a-Ride drop-off and pick-up location here.
• Suggestion that we also contact MTA Bus, City Bus and LIRR about accessible transportation (LIRR stop at Shea Stadium is not accessible).

Questions:

How many accessible parking spaces will be provided? 5,639 parking spaces are provided in total, 284 are accessible and 68 are van accessible.

Will the Mets be creating a permanently lined wheelchair softball field in the parking lot? Yes

January 25, 2007

Opening Remarks – Dominic Marinelli, United Spinal Association

Design Development Update on Citi Field
Mike Sabatini, HOK Sports

• Ebbets Field is the inspiration for Citi Field Ballpark.
• Jackie Robinson rotunda – brick arches and ornamental steel.
• Openness between stadium and neighborhood.
• Shea Stadium will remain operational until Citi Field is completed.

Parking/Transportation
• Approximately 5% of parking spaces will be accessible parking spaces.
• 1 out of every 5 parking spaces will be van accessible parking spaces.
• 80 foot wide plaza around Citi Field will separate stadium from parking lot.
• NY Mets are working with MTA concerning transportation issues – 7 train and LIRR stops at Shea Stadium are not accessible.

Stadium Features
• Four major entrances at new stadium.
• Bus parking area provided near Whitestone Expressway.
• Shea stadium is 20 feet taller than Citi Field.
• Citi Field has 18 elevators (Shea Stadium has 4 elevators). Each entrance will have a minimum of 2 elevators serving it. There are 3 designated freight elevators.
• 3rd base side of stadium is served by ramps.
• Wiffle ball field will have some bleacher seating.
• Tread dimensions for seating (measurement from front of chair to back of chair in front of individual) range from 33 – 39 inches. Tread dimensions at Shea Stadium range from 30 – 32 inches).
• Seat width at Citi Field will range from 19 – 24 inches, depending on location. Seat width at Shea Stadium is 18 inches.
• Wheelchair accessible seating at Citi Field will be dispersed both horizontally and vertically with enhanced line of sight.
• 449 of Citi Field’s 42,544 seats will be accessible.

Ground/Plaza Level
• Accessible seating located on the field by 1st, 3rd base and behind home plate.
• Group Sales area – outfield fence – entrance to area by 126th Street.

Sterling Level (private level)
• Level is 15 feet above field.
• Sterling Club – 1700 seats and 10 suites (all suites have accessible seating in back row). Accessible seats are also provided between the suites in two locations.
• No amenities on this level will disrupt view of the field.

Concourse Level (1st public level of stadium)
• Level is about 30 feet above field.
• Only level that allows you to walk around the entire stadium on a concourse that is approximately 50 – 60 feet wide.
• Accessible seating is distributed around this level. The accessible seating by 1st and 3rd base is located at the playing field.
• Ebbets Club holds approximately 700 seats that sit above the sterling club seats (accessible seating is provided in multiple locations within Ebbets Club).
• Three suites in Ebbets Club are owner suites (accessible seating is provided within owner suites).

Suite Level – located from 1st to 3rd base (private level)
• Among suites, 5 are party suites.
• Level also includes the front tier of the restaurant (accessible seating is provided in front row and back row at the club level).
• There is a bridge that connects the administration building to ballpark.

Club Level (private and public)
• Press is located behind home plate.
• Accessible seating is provided all around the club level seating, including the 5 rows of club seating located in front of press with accessible seating at the back.
• Approximately 15 rows of seats are provided on 1st and 3rd base side of stadium with accessible seating at the back.
• Left field porch seating with accessible seating at the back.
• Restaurant with a capacity of 190 seats on a multiple tier dining experience with accessible seating at the top tier.
• Right field porch is attached to the administration building. The roof of the administration is the concourse of the porch. Accessible seating is located at the back row. Access to this level from elevator and the bridge connected to the ballpark.

Promenade Level (right to left field, public)
• Split deck system.
• 4 rows of seating provided in lower portion.
• 24 rows of seating provided in upper portion.
• Accessible seating is provided all around the promenade level.
• GA Club located behind home plate will provide refuge from bad weather for a few hundred individuals.
• Accessible seating is distributed throughout

Accessible Seating & Lines of Sight
Ed Roether, HOK Sport

• Wheelchair seats sit on a pedestal so that when spectators stand-up, the heads of individuals in wheelchairs will be at the same height as the standing spectators.
• Life safety/Aisle Stair requirements include consistent stair heights.
• As of now, the companion seats provided in wheelchair seating locations will be fixed seats.
• Aisle seats with movable armrests will be provided at Citi Field. Discussion about the purpose of movable armrests on aisle seats – technically, an aisle seat with movable armrests is not required to be on an accessible route. Also, seats with movable armrests have many maintenance issues.

Means of Egress
• Components of stadium’s accessible means of egress include elevators, ramps and all stairs.
• Both the amount of time for people to exit the facility and the amount of time before smoke accumulates to dangerous levels are considered for smoke-protected assembly seating along with safety factors. This includes the accessible means of egress.

Questions/Comments from Audience

• Need to ensure that individual with disabilities can get to Citi Field via public transportation – need to make 7 train and LIRR accessible.

• Do we know the number of Mets fans that don’t drive vehicles to Shea Stadium? Maybe there are enough “walk-ins” to create extra MTA bus lines on game days or an express bus from Manhattan to Citi Field.

• Will the new subway trains be available on the 7 line that provide accommodations for visually impaired and deaf/heard of hearing?

• Will any elevators be designated for use only by individuals using wheelchairs? At Shea Stadium, the press monopolizes the few elevators available. Mike Sabatini of HOK Sports replied that the main entrances are served by escalators that are located within the general flow of traffic; therefore, most spectators will use the escalators.

• Citi Field staff, including seasonal workers, should undergo training so that they know how to react in emergency situations.

• Will seat numbers be provided on back of seats? Mike Sabatini of HOK Sports replied that yes. Suggestion from audience that seat numbers be high contrast to seat.

• If companion seats are fixed – make sure that staff is trained and willing to move these fixed seats. Staff members at Brooklyn ballpark are reluctant to remove fixed seats.

• If new accessible stations are provided for LIRR or 7 train at Citi Field, make sure that no gap exists.

• Need a bus route from the Rockaways – currently have to transfer from A train to 7 train. Noted that if a bus line isn’t used enough, the route will be reduced or eliminated.

• Are all concession stands at accessible height? Yes – all counters at concession stands are at a height of 34 inches above the finished floor.

• Will an Assistive Listening System be provided at Citi Field? Yes. Joel Ziev explained the FM broadcast system that will be provided in the seating bowl of the new stadium.

• Will closed captioning be provided? Will it be provided under each speaker? Adding closed captioning under each speaker could add confusion. It is important that everyone needing closed captioning know where to find it – consistency is important.

• Televisions will be located throughout concession area and all can be captioned.

• Will there be visual alarms provided in toilet rooms? Yes.

• How many scoreboards will there be at Citi Field? Currently, the Mets plan to have one main scoreboard in center and one smaller scoreboard located in right outfield. Suggestion that Mets provide mock-ups in order to test if captioning both scoreboards is readable from all seating locations in the stadium.

• Ensure that the letters on the closed captioning provided on the scoreboards contrasts with board. Important to use the term “visual contrast” rather than “color contrast.”

• Will the captioning be provided on the top or bottom of the scoreboards?

• Will way finding be provided in parking lot? Necessary to have way finding to public transportation too.

• Remember that employees of Citi Field may also have disabilities.

• Will the ticket policy require medical proof of a disability?

Minutes from Meeting with Disability Community at Shea Stadium – June 13, 2006
Opening remarks – Dominic Marinelli, United Spinal Terry Moakley, United Spinal Matt Sapolin, MOPD
Comments from the audience on their experiences at Shea
Wheelchair seating locations in area with concession stands is often crowded by other fans trying to see the field. Subway (7 Train) and Long Island Railroad stations are not accessible – want the Mets to advocate for access improvements at the stations (including elevator or ramp access). Netting in front of some of the wheelchair locations blocks view to field especially the poles for the netting. Parking – other vehicles are often parked in the accessible spaces including police cars and press vehicles. Also, there is not enough accessible parking available especially in sold out games. Members of the audience suggested that if buy an accessible seating location a ticket for parking in an accessible space is included with it. Requested that some accessible seating locations are under the overhang to protect individuals from the sun. Asked about the impact of construction on parking availability. Accessible docks for ferry access. Elevators in current stadium are slow and often used by vendors. Need an identified Paratransit drop off and pick up point. Exterior routes need to be identified Include outlets at accessible seating locations in new stadium.
Visual presentation on the new Mets Ballpark- Mike Sabatini, of HOK Sport
Site The new Ball Park will be located east and north of Shea. The following are some of the highlights of the site:
Orientation: The ball park is orientated to the NW with right field parrellel to 126th Street.
Vehicular Access: Working with a traffic consultant on improving the flow of traffic coming and going from the parking areas. Access from the existing vehicular entries will be maintained.
Parking: Landscaped side walks will lead to a 70 foot wide plaza before entering the stadium. The parking will be re-stripped so more organized, efficient use of space can be achieved. Team parking off of Roosevelt Avenue. Accessible parking will be at each entrance point to plaza.
Pedestrian entry: There are four main entry points; Rotunda Entrance – designed to provide old time ballpark feel with modern amenities; First and third base; and along 126th Street within the retail/office building.
Ball Park There were four important design concepts that must be incorporated in the new Ballpark: Intimacy, 360 degree visibility, provide a turn of the century experience with 21st century amenities and reflect the bridges that connect the boroughs to Manhattan. Intimacy – seats as close to the action as possible, redirected seats 360 degree- open concourse, so fans can see the field Experience and amenities- baseball pastime with current standards for comfort
	Highlights include: Typical first and third base seating bowl section indicates three levels of seating with a private suite level between two decks. The home plate section is complicated with extra levels sandwiched between the typical seating bowl. These additional spaces are for additional private lounges and suites. The first level, Plaza, is at grade and is primarily serving the team functions. Above this level, just between the dugouts is a private level, Sterling, with 10 suites, a lounge and access to 1600 seats. Next is the Concourse which is the first public concourse. This concourse is continuous around the entire ball park. Additional highlights include a wiffle ball field, picnic areas, the Ebbets Club, Owner suites, and fan amenities around the perimeter. Access to this level will be by elevators, a ramp, and stairs. A private suite level, Empire, is directly above the Concourse. There are 40 suites, 5 party suites and a business center at this level. All these levels are connected by the Rotunda. The Club level is above the suites with access to 6,000 seats, the press facilities a 300 seat restaurant in left field with four tiers – front and rear tiers accessible, a porch in right field which overhangs the field, and a left porch. The final public concourse is the Promenade level, this level serves a split deck with great sight lines. There is also a General Admission club behind home plate underneath the seating bowl. All levels will be accessible.
	Wheelchair seating locations: 1. 430 locations, plus 430 companion locations (1%) 2. Distributed around the park and at all levels. 3. Courtesy rails behind the locations so other fans can not crowd in. 4. Wheelchair seating locations are permanent. 5. There are 3 wheelchair seating locations on field behind home plate and also locations on field in left and right fields. 6. Have not determined type of companion seating to be used. Treads are wider so there will be more room at all of the seats. There will be equal distribution of amenities including men’s and women’s toilet rooms, unisex toilet rooms, and concessions on all levels.
	Verticall circluation: 1. 3rd base side entrance ramp 2. 4 towers with two elevators each on 3rd and first base side 3. 1 elevators in Rotunda 4. 2 freight elevators 5. 1 private elevator for Mets 6. 2 VIP elevators for VIP spectators 7. 2 elevators at 126th Street entry 8. 1 elevator at retail/office building Total public elevators = 12 There is wheelchair seating in picnic area and accessible route to picnic area. The rotunda escalators go to the Main level then have escalators from the main level serving the empire level and then empire level to concourse level, etc.
Other Topics of discussion: Terry Moakley suggested that we ask the MTA to look at the “new freedom initiative” (federal legislation) to fund accessibility modifications at the 7 train.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Diamond Club at Shea Stadium
1 pm to 3 pm

Welcome & Introductions

Terry Moakley, United Spinal Association

Matt Sapolin, Mayor’s Office For People with Disabilities

Providing Accessibility: A Review of the Key Accessibility Features Planned for the New Mets Ballpark

Andrew Cairns - Mets

Ed Roether - HOK

Bruce Marshall – HOK

Dennis King – HOK

Mike Sabatini – HOK

Kleo King - United Spinal Association

Dominic Marinelli - United Spinal Association

Jennifer Perry - United Spinal Association

Feedback from those in attendance