HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-21 Public Comment - C. Bartholomew - Development Code Input and Ideas Mma I I Susan Riggs <sriggs@groundprint.com>
Code Audit Comment Submission
1 message
webadmin@bozeman.net <webadmin@bozeman.net> Tue, May 4, 2021 at 11:35 AM
To: sriggs@groundprint.com
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name: Affordable Housing: Development Code Input and Ideas
Date&Time: 05/04/2021 11:35 AM
Response#: 5
SubmitterID: 37926
IP address: 64.79.35.215
Time to complete: 15 min.,55 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Affordable Housing: Development Code Input and Ideas
1. Contact Info
First Name Cheryl
Last Name Bartholomew
Email Address fitseniors@gmail.com
2. View Unified Development Code
Topic Smaller homes using universal design
Code Section(If Known) Not answered
Describe Your Idea or Comment Here
As the Chairperson for Age Friendly Bozeman (AARP/WHO Network of Li vable Communities)and as an aging Baby Boomer
who has worked with and for various senior living communities for more than 20 years, I understand and support the need
for smaller single homes and apartment complexes that are universally designed for all ages and abilities. Universal design is
not just ADA compliant.
http://u n iversaldesig n.ie/what-is-un iversal-design/the-10-things-to-know-about-ud/l 0-th i ng s-to-kn ow-a bout-
ud.html We should also be looking at modular homes to cut costs without compromising quality home design. Modular
homes have dramatically changed over the years and there are even smart,energy efficient options
https://www.facebook.com/s2amodular/
"Due to its construction within the factory's controlled environment,S2A Modular homes can be built in as little as six
weeks.This includes being shipped and assembled to any code within the U.S. Pricing begins at$165 per square foot. It's an
exciting step forward in the world of green building.Jan 28, 2019"
Despite the fact that Montana ranks among the five top states with a high proportion of seniors per capita,we are sorely
lacking in the resources,services and age in place options available in most other states.
Senior living communities are aplenty here, but they are NOT the choice of aging Baby Boomers due in fact to their obsolete
design and outdated lifestyle management procedures/policies.They are too expensive for most aging boomers and they
have been proven to be petri dishes when it comes to pandemics, like Covid.
As we recover from Covid,there is popular movement among senior venue experts to reinvent age in place with a concept
referred to as Aging in Community.This new concept in aging debunks the current trends embraced by senior living
communities that control their residents' lifestyles by offering what the programs and amenities that are affordable and can
be offered within the four walls of their facilities.Those practices would be replaced by age friendly homes in progressive
active aging communities that have established connectivity for older adults within the community to promote engagement
in life,support health and wellness,and encourage mentorships,and intergenerational interaction via community/business
partnerships.
In order for this to happen, local government needs to embrace a more livable community plan that includes safe, public
buildings( like Community Centers; Libraries,government supported health and wellness programs/non-profits),
universally designed homes that support independent living for all ages and abilities,improved public transportation
options(i.e. partnerships with companies like Go Go Grandparents),opportunities for social inclusion,volunteerism,and
accessibility to nature/parks enhanced with intergenerational play/fitness equipment, paved trails for wheelchairs etc.
Many of our local government policies are too rigid and stifle innovative solutions.We have an opportunity to create a
uniquely age friendly(anything age friendly is friendly to all ages and abilities)and proactively avoid the pitfalls of suburban
sprawl while preserving the natural beauty of our city. Bozeman as it stands now attracts young families and is focused on
attracting business.We have provided our"dogs"with an abundance of parks and play areas created for their well being,
but our older adult population doesn't get the same consideration with regard to park access or intergenerational
opportunities to play and exercise as family.
Older adults are flocking here, but we aren't prepared to accommodate their needs.A good start would be an Active Aging
Community created to enhance independence for older adults by providing universally designed single homes(small, but
with adequate storage space/garage etc.)and apartment options surrounded by walkable access to amenities like a bank,
restaurants,entertainment,etc.The community should provide options for discounted family/senior memberships to an
intergenerational community center with fitness and wellness programs for all ages and abilities. It can only happen through
partnerships and by tapping into available grants.
It is imperative that our codes include options that incentivize developers to invest in our communities in a way that fulfills
our needs while rewarding them for their efforts, innovation and commitment to quality home construction that is
attainable,functional and sustainable. Modular homes work with community builders/construction companies and provide
options for smart,energy efficient homes that range from luxury to affordable. It is time to embrace into the possibilities.
Instead we stick our heads in the sand and wonder why we aren't able to keep up with the demand.Create codes and
possibilities to become proactive instead of reactive.
Have an image or
document that supports
your idea?Upload here
Thank you,
City Of Bozeman
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