A Quiet Crisis

We are continuing to face 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.

I previously wrote about this important matter two years ago. 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). This issue was specifically examined in New England and it is alarming. The cost burden issue is especially significant for seniors because many live on modest fixed incomes. As housing costs continue to rise, the number of seniors with housing cost burdens can be expected to grow. (George Samuels, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston)

As I have continually stated, it is critical as elected leaders that we look to the future, address the needs of our residents and work to solutions. Since taking office, I have worked diligently on senior housing during my administration. We have researched various locations for senior housing providers and have met with potential developers. I am encouraged with several new projects that are coming to fruition.

First is the approval of . Morningside House will include 245-unit project for both independent and memory-impaired senior citizens and is one of the most highly respected operators in the assisted living industry. In visiting the company and touring a facility recently, the senior living community has an excellent reputation for providing superior care and customer service. It will be a great addition to our Mystic Area.

Secondly, Spruce Meadows project in Pawcatuck which will include “a small village look” 43 housing unit complex (with 14 units designated affordable by the area mean household income). This project is slated to go to PZC on March 20t. This will provide workforce housing units for Stonington.

Workforce housing is owner and renter housing to meet the needs of families and individuals. In many communities, the people who provide vital services—teachers, firefighters, police officers, and service workers—often cannot themselves afford to live there. Additionally, as home costs continue to outpace wages, many families can no longer afford homes near their workplaces while many local communities lack homes affordable to local workers. (Realtor.org)

Lastly, we have a potential additional affordable senior housing project in Pawcatuck. This project is being examined with a developer on a private parcel of land. In Stonington, our needs are clearly identified by the wait list we have at our local senior housing locations. Currently, there are a number of seniors identified on a wait list and as our economy continued to go through difficulty, I am sure that number will grow. I look forward to continuing my effort for safe, quality housing options for senior citizens and families and developing housing needs of our community in the future.

Ed Haberek

Stonington First Selectman