Thank you for tracking and enforcing accessibility issues for residents of this state. I would like to ask for a variance in the case of the Garden Cinema in Greenfield.
Proprietor George Gohl has made substantial and sustained effort to increase accessibility at the theater. The Garden Cinema is an important cultural center in a (depressed — let’s admit it) western rural town. The Garden is an important draw for the downtown traffic that helps revitalize us.
George is a responsible and active member of the community. He serves on the Greenfield Business Association. He has a whole system of co-sponsoring screenings with community groups. His theater plays an important role in engaging and informing the public.
I am sure you are completely justified on the face of it to enforce a $1,000 daily fine. This will assuredly put the Garden Cinema out of business as soon as Mr. Gohl can make those arrangements.
I feel certain that extinguishing a cultural gem in a struggling rural town was not the intention of the legislation. If you have any leeway at all, please extend the Garden’s permission to operate and to continue his efforts to increase accessibility.
Rabbi Andrea Cohen Kiener
Greenfield