Glad You Asked: Rules for handicapped parking; where to donate unused infant formula; why isn't "Amazing Grace" playing locally?

Saturday, March 3, 2007 2:31 AM CST

I recently had handicap parking signs outside of my house, and my neighbors aren't respecting them. Is there a fine for that? If they continue to park by my spot, should I call the police? I don't want to start problems with the neighbors.

Yes, they can be fined for parking in your handicap spot - unless they also have a handicap tag or license plate. Then they get to park in the spot, as well.

We checked this answer with John Rooney, the city of Racine's traffic engineer, and then asked a few questions about how one gets a handicap parking spot outside of their house. Rooney told us it's pretty easy, though a little costly.

First, you fill out a form that can be picked up at City Hall or downloaded from the city's Web site (go to the Department of Public Works page, click on city engineering and scroll to the bottom of the page). Assuming you qualify for a handicap spot - the requirements are the same as getting a handicap parking tag - you can have a sign installed for between $100 and $200.

Once installed, the spot is treated like a handicap parking spot outside of a grocery store or other big parking lots. If you park in the spot without a handicap tag, it's a $75 fine.

Handicap spots can be installed permanently, if you have a permanent disability, or for a period of time while you recover. One rule of note: alternate street parking still applies in the winter. So if you have a handicap spot in the winter, you still have to park on the opposite side of the street every other night.

Also, along with handicap spots, you can apply for a number of sign permits from the city. The permits listed on the engineering department's Web site include:

n Banners on street light poles

n Blind child area

n Church Guidance Sign

n Deaf child area sign

n Driveway Approach Extension Request

n Loading zone area privilege permit

n Private sign on street light

n School Directional Signs

Thanks, to John for his help with this question.

Gene called to ask: I have a newborn baby, and our doctor has described four different formulas for her. I was wondering where we could donate the left over formula we have.

Love and Charity Mission, 1031 Douglas Ave. in Racine, said it would take donations of baby formula, and while we didn't check with all of the food pantries, we're sure they would accept unopened containers of baby formula, as long as it's not expired.

How come this movie "Amazing Grace" has been out a week or two and hasn't shown up in Racine? I've seen reviews and TV about it, but it hasn't been anywhere in Racine.

First, some background. "Amazing Grace" is an 18th-century biopic about politician William Wilberforce who fought against slavery in Britain. It has received solid reviews, including a 71 percent favorable rating from RottenTomatoes.com (a Web site that summarizes reviews from around the world).

As for why it's not playing in Racine, it's tough to say why a flop of a movie like "Norbit" is playing here and in Kenosha this weekend while "Amazing Grace" is only showing in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. And before we complain too loudly, it's pretty cool to see Academy Award nominees like "The Departed" (which won best picture) and "Babel" playing at the Regency Value Cinema. Maybe "Amazing Grace" will swing through in a few months, as well.

Birthday follow

The woman who called in asking for a list of free stuff on her birthday called back to thank GYA's readers for helping to compile the list that ran in Thursday's column. "I'm going to be very busy on Saturday getting my car washed, eating lots of ice cream and all of the other activities available," she said.

What is Glad You Asked?

GYA seeks the answers to your questions. Have a question? Call GYA at (262) 631-1758 or send us an e-mail at: ask@journaltimes.com.

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