ALBANY - (September 3, 2008) - The NYS Office for the Aging and Department of State are launching an innovative new project called, "Planning and Zoning Initiative: Housing for Older Persons," that is designed to help communities plan for the housing and community design needs of the State's older population. The project will launch on September 4 by New York State's Office for the Aging Director Michael J. Burgess and Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, and will include over 100 experts in the areas of housing, zoning, planning, universal design, land-use, energy efficiency, and green building development. The first full-day session, to be held in Albany, will also include an address by New York State's Chief Demographer, Robert Scardamalia, and New York State Director of Smart Growth, Paul Beyer.
Director Burgess noted that, "Our older population is increasing rapidly and living longer. Older New Yorkers want to remain in their own homes and communities as they age; and when they become frail or are in need of assistance to remain independent, most of their care and assistance is provided by their family members. Communities are unprepared for the growth in the older population. Current housing options and how communities are designed should support the goal of maximizing the independence of older New Yorkers, support the role of caregivers, and build upon successful models of planning that encourage communities to make changes that consider the preferences and needs of our older citizens. Older New Yorkers are a significant asset and we don't want them moving out of state and taking with them their knowledge, expertise and income. It is important for older New Yorkers and their families to recognize that New York is a great place to live and to age."
Secretary Cortés-Vázquez stated, "By 2030 New York's senior population will increase 53% to 5.2 million, and as a result we will face new and varied challenges in responding to the needs of the elderly. The elderly demographic is shifting and changing and our goal is to have them remain in their homes and continue to be a vital part of the community for as long as possible-- institutionalization should be a last resort. New York's Smart Growth initiative is a long-term effort to help localities plan for the housing, mobility, health and social issues confronting our aging population. Early planning will ensure that the needs of seniors are met and they can remain an essential part of the state's vibrant and diverse communities."
New York State is experiencing significant demographic and social change, and the goal of the new project is to create senior-friendly communities, which will result in communities that are more livable for residents of all ages. The group will help develop technical assistance manuals on several topics, including housing, planning, and zoning guidelines to help local officials, and consumers understand and accommodate the housing and community design needs of their residents, and to allow older persons to stay in their homes and communities of choice.
New York has the third largest population of older persons in the nation. The State's 3.4 million older persons will increase to 4 million by 2015. Older New Yorkers play an important role in the viability and diversity of any community. However, many communities are not fully aware of the planning tools available to accommodate the needs of an aging population. Many communities are not pedestrian-friendly and this inhibits residents from getting exercise, socializing with neighbors, and easily accessing stores, functions, and other amenities. Additionally, communities often do not provide appropriate alternative housing options, such as elder cottages, accessory units, or mixed-use developments. The new initiative will address these and other housing and community design issues confronted by older New Yorkers and their families.
Several agencies support the mission of the new Planning and Zoning Initiative. Also participating in the work of the group as affiliate partners will be the: Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, USDA Rural Development-State Office, and the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Albany Guardian Society, Albany, New York, is providing assistance for the September 4 convening of experts.
For more information, please contact Reza Mizbani, Public Information Officer, New York State Office for the Aging, at 518-474-7181, or Lauren Rivera, Public Information Officer, NYS Department of State, at 518-474-4752.
