As I have written several times, our country, state and locality are facing what has been called “A Quiet Crisis”. This “Quiet Crisis” is the amount of senior population that is having difficulty paying for housing and/or living in physically substandard dwellings. More than 35 million Americans are age 65 and over and younger people have parents, grandparents or other relatives who are senior citizens (www.seniorscommission.gov). It is critical as elected leaders that we look to the future, address the needs of our residents and work to solutions. We should not allow our fellow senior residents to suffer with unacceptable shelter and/or unmet housing considerations, if solutions are available.
Since taking office, I have worked diligently on senior issues during my administrations. In 2007 & 2010, Steven Protulis, President of EHDOC (parent company of Stonington Arms) and I worked together to research several potential affordable senior housing sites. Several parcels were examined for suitability but the projects didn’t come to fruition for various reasons. Now, we have two more opportunities present and we are looking forward to continuing to introduce them to various commissions and publically to residents for their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. I look forward to continuing the public discussion and informational opportunities regarding these potential projects and conceptual layouts.
In Stonington, our needs are clearly identified by the wait list we have at our local senior housing locations. Currently, approximately 65 seniors are “identified” on a wait list and as our economy continues to struggle for elderly, I am sure that number will grow. I look forward to continuing to work with our Board, Commissions and Residents to work to provide quality affordable senior housing for our senior residents. Thank you very much.
