Carmichael's vision...is it ready for Multi-Generational housing?

I'm really excited to see the new town center going up on Carmichael on Fair Oaks Blvd. and am hopeful that will be the beginning of a wave of investment in the area that's long overdue. Hats off to Allen and Nancy Davis for having the vision for this community and bringing the Milagro project to life! 

So what does that have to do with Multi-generational housing you ask?
Well...let's take a look at the demographics of Carmichael and start the conversation. No...not the one you had with your parents about the birds and the bees! It's the one your children who are in their 40's and 50's are trying to have with their parents regarding their living situations.

But first some statistics: According to city-data.com there are over 62,000 residents in Carmichael CA of which 11.6% live under the poverty level. The average house was built between 1970-1979 and the median home value hovers in the mid $300K.  There are 18,341 single family residences, 870 duplexes, 8345 multifamily units and 41 mobile homes. 78% of all the working folk drive to work and 1586 citizens live in some sort of group quarters (and I bet the majority are senior communities).

So what does this have to do with multi-generational housing you ask (again). Well...I believe we need some vision in Carmichael in regards to aging in place and doing it well. We have the Davis' who see a need for a town center and are backing it up. I propose we need  multi-generational housing start to break ground to absorb the many families who will be caring for their aging parents. Places like Santana Row in San Jose are developing more walk-able living environments with housing above services. I would love to see the tract of land on Winding Way be developed into something like that. 
Our neighbors are helping neighbors but what happens in 10-15 years when the 59% of those currently over 45 yrs old start to turn 60? Those same people will be caring for elderly parents and at the same time  their own aging issues will emerge. So perhaps it's time to start the conversation...
what would you like to see Carmichael develop to offset the silver sunami about to hit the housing shore?
Beth Moran is a Realtor with Re/Max Gold and can be reached at 916-947-3993 or Beth@SacAgent.com