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Be A Neighborhood Reporter!
The BLCP needs neighborhood reporters! Join other reporters who monitor their Front Porch Forum digests for relevant postings/issues and occasionally post messages from the BLCP project or AARP to neighbors. This will take very little time, but could really help the initiative reach out to the people we hope to serve and inform.
We ultimately hope to have coverage throughout the city of Burlington. Let us know if you'd like to join the team. Just e-mail vt@aarp.org with your contact information, neighborhood name and "Neighborhood Reporter" in the subject line. |
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Burlington residents have a newly renovated online resource to get information, find volunteer opportunities, post opinions or responses or just find a ride somewhere. The BLCP has re-launched its website - www.blcp.org - with a new look and a forum encouraging visitors to engage in the project and related citywide issues.
The project website features a forum where residents can react to discussion questions or post issues and concerns related to the BLCP initiative. It includes project related news items and topics of interest as well as ways to find volunteer opportunities. Visitors can also access resources and helpful contact pages as well as research materials, documents and work plans from the project itself.
"This site is designed to meet the needs and interests of Burlington's older residents while keeping them connected to the work of this collaborative effort," said Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur, who leads the AARP Vermont initiative. "We invite you to check it out and give us your thoughts and participate in the forum. |
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Q & A With Bill Keogh - Burlington City Council President
Q When you personally think about getting older, what needs to be in place to make Burlington livable for you as an older resident?
A As I edge closer to four score years, I am more aware of these items than ever before. First and foremost are sidewalks, so that I will be able to walk for exercise daily (that means cleared sidewalks in the winter). Sidewalks get me outdoors, too, where I can enjoy the sun, breezes and the songs of the birds. Secondly, a place to socialize with others. Senior centers in and around the City can provide a lively, sociable atmosphere which we all need. Thirdly, the next response.
Q Many older residents are concerned that they cannot fully participate in city life nor get to needed services/resources because of a lack of transportation. Can you suggest one or two high priority actions we can take to provide more transportation options for people who choose not to drive or cannot drive?
A I'm not there, yet, but the time is coming when I can't drive to the place I want and when I want to go. The City needs to do more - the State needs to do more - in support of public transportation. Not only for the general public, but for the elderly who need to 'get out.' Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) and the Chittenden County Transportation Agency (CCTA) does all it can to service the Golden Years Market, but those agencies need support from the State. This need exists throughout the County.
Q Recently, a few sites have been proposed for senior housing, some of which are not on existing transit lines or close to neighborhood services. Should the city provide incentives to developers to site senior housing in locations next to services and public transportation?
A It is easier to move transit routes around than establish senior housing around transit routes. Transit routes can change, so we have to be aware of that possibility. While there can be many advantages to locating senior housing near existing transit routes, there may be other complicating circumstances which might preclude that.
Q What is the top concern you hear from older residents in your ward?
A Of course, it is property taxes. Improved transportation for older generation, too. |
"Downtown At Home" is Launching
40 College Street Residents Take Aging in Place into Their Own Hands
Wouldn't it be nice if you could have access to all the services and assistance you need, right in your own neighborhood? Such an arrangement is now taking shape here in downtown Burlington. Instead of looking for retirement homes or villages, the concept of aging in place appeals to many older citizens as an alternative and a number of model programs are now in place around the country.
Last year, a group of residents at 40 College Street began investigating how it might be possible to safely remain in place as they age -- following the model of Beacon Hill Village (BHV) in Boston. BHV is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of providing residents with the information and practical means of remaining in their homes as they age. Membership dues give residents access to a host of services and resources from home health assistance, cleaning and local transportation to grocery services and home repair referrals. The Burlington group has just presented the concept to the full condominium association and continues to investigate local health care and other service agencies and how to organize the overall initiative. The immediate goal is to develop relationships with service providers, develop a closer relationship among neighbors, and help members to safely "age in place" in this special city.
"This initiative is still a work in progress, but we're very excited about the possibilities," said Suki Rubin, one of the leaders of the effort. They are also led by Ruth Kassel, a resident who is serving as a convener of the group, focused on moving the project through all the steps to come.
To find out more, check out their website at www.downtownathome.com. The site was developed by resident Roger Cole with the assistance of Champlain College students and their professor.
We'll keep readers posted on their progress going forward. |
Affordable Senior Housing Considered on North Avenue BLCP Recommendation Takes Giant Step Toward Reality
One of the clear messages to the AARP Burlington Livable Communities Project stakeholders was that residents "want housing options that reflect the diversity of the 50+ population in their lifestyles, personalities, politics and personal needs".
That dream is moving toward reality at the Thayer School site (DMV building) in the New North End. After being approached by a group of local residents, Cathedral Square submitted a bid to the State of Vermont to purchase this six acre parcel in collaboration with the Champlain Housing Trust and Farrell Development. Final details on the purchase are being worked out now.
Cathedral Square is very excited about having the opportunity to participate in this true community development project. The Thayer School redevelopment allows us to create new opportunities for persons of all ages to live in the New North End and provide an option for current residents to remain in their neighborhood. The goals of the project include:
- Building an intergenerational, smart growth neighborhood that includes both affordable rental family housing and elder housing.
- Building the senior housing with services, creating the opportunity to provide these services to the surrounding neighborhood.
- Building "green" energy efficient buildings that incorporate new technology and universal design principles into the design.
- Seeking commercial space uses that are compatible with the housing and the adjacent commercial development.
Stay tuned for further updates as this livable community becomes a reality.
Contributed by:
Nancy Eldridge
Executive Director
Cathedral Square Corporation |
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Calendar of Events
October 20 - Tuesday
Tilley Drive Doctor's Offices: You Can't Get There From Here.
Channel 17 Live at 5:25
The Burlington Livable Community Project show will feature Charlie Rathborne and Karin Davis, volunteers with Vermont Interfaith Action. How did the medical facilities on Tilley Drive get located with no access to public transit or sidewalks? Find out what VIA activists are trying to do about it.
Call in with questions at 862-3966.
October 21 - Wednesday
Home Energy Efficiency Workshop
Burlington City Hall - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Learn about the most effective ways to reduce energy usage at home. Presented by Burlington Electric Department and the Burlington Legacy Project.
October 21-25
Final week of Opus presented by Vermont Stage Company
Flynn Space
Evening shows 7:30; Matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
AARP Members get a 10% discount on tickets.
October 23 - Friday
Bike and Pedestrian Intersection Action
Burlington Policy Department Community Room, 1 North Ave.
6:45-8:45 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to educate walkers and bikers about nighttime safety on the streets and hand out $6 coupons for discounts on safety gear. Orientation from 6:45-7:15 followed by an intersection action from 7:15-8:45. Sponsored by Local Motion and the Burlington Police Department.
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