Parking garage clearance issues at Cape Coral's Lee Health building frustrate disabled patients

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Disabled patients visiting the new Lee Health building at Bimini Square in Cape Coral are facing significant challenges due to parking garage clearance issues, which have made it difficult for them to access the facility.

David Forbes, who lost his left leg and has a steel rod in his other leg, shared his experience of having to miss a doctor's appointment because his handicap-accessible vehicle couldn't fit in the parking garage.

"I go to the place I'm going to go the day before to see what I'm going to encounter as far as handicap access. I do this every time because I've encountered so many places that do not have access," Forbes said.

His only alternative was to park further away and use a scooter to reach the entrance, a situation he described as a physical challenge.

"But why should I be put to a physical challenge to go to the doctor's office?" Forbes said.

The main entrance for Lee Health is located inside the parking garage, which has a clearance of 7 feet, preventing some handicap-accessible vehicles from entering. Construction fencing has also blocked the nearest disabled parking spots.

Debbie Mear, another patient, recounted her experience with the clearance issue, saying, "She said that they were aware of this and that they had known of vehicles that have gotten stuck in the building because apparently when you go into the building, there's a 10-foot clearance, but the floor drops down to seven feet."

Mear witnessed a medical transportation bus unable to drop her off at the front door due to the clearance problem.

The president of Crown Development, the company that built the Lee Health building, stated that the Americans with Disabilities Act requires them to provide 13 handicap spaces, but they have provided 24, including two surface spots and 22 within the parking garage.

He acknowledged that sometimes plans may need adjustments once built.

Meanwhile, Forbes expressed his frustration, saying, "It is complete disregard for those of us who are handicapped, and I personally am over it."

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.