Loading...
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are aplenty here, but they are NOT the choice of aging Baby Boomers due in fact to their obsolete design and outdated lifestyle management procedures/policies.They are too expensive for most aging boomers and they have been proven to be petri dishes when it comes to pandemics,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 This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.