Last year, Deb Raymond, the COA Director, mentioned to me that it would be an ideal situation if the town could build elderly housing on town owned land to the east of the COA and DeMello school. The siting would place the residents within easy access to the COA and its activities and to the Bullard health clinic. Additionally, some or all the housing may count toward the town's affordable housing stock. Perhaps we could encourage an inter-generational partnership between the school and the residents (reading buddies, tutors, etc.) It seems like a great idea.
What is missing is a plan. Together with the Dartmouth Housing Authority ...
... and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), the town needs to develop a plan to implement this idea and to identify funding and grants for the project.
I hope to work with interested partners to get this started. The cost will not be something the town can do in one year, but if we have a plan, we can take it to the various funding sources and see if they will support it.
One of the areas where the CPC has spent the least funds is affordable housing which is part of their mission. I would like to see funds from the CPC tax surcharge held in reserve every year and earmarked for this project.
What are your thoughts about this project?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Elderly housing at the COA
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2 comments:
Why must we continue the push for affordable houseing to get to the magic 10% Bill. We are among the highest percentage towns in the state. We hover around 8-9% while many surrounding towns are at 2-3%. Why focus so much energy and $$$ towards achieving this goal?
And by the way, you will be happy to know there already is quite an inter-generational partnership between the DeMello School and their neighbors at the COA. Give Mrs Macini a call to hear all that is done between the 2 groups - a very happy story.
I partially agree with anon 7:14. There are already inter- generational things going on and not just with DeMello School but with older kids as well.
When it comes to affordable housing, chasing the 10% number doesn't do much for our town. New Bedford is full of low income housing opportunities. We don't need to be creating drug infested projects so certain landlords can make fortunes.
There is a real need however for affordable elderly housing so that longtime residents who are downsizing, or may need a little support, can remain in town.
This is a great idea Bill and I would support it. It would be great if the CPC could show some discipline and put the maximum allowed from this year's revenues into the affordable housing reserve for this purpose. Please attend the CPC meeting and advocate for this.
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