| Spotlight: Rochester's Aging In Place Initiative
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| The Aging in Place Initiative (AIP) in Rochester, New York conducted a successful AIP Community Summit meeting in November 2005. Over 100 key community leaders and citizens met in three meetings making up the Summit. One meeting was designed specifically for government planners, legislators, and city personnel; one meeting was
open to the public as an event in a continuing community educational series; and the third was a day-long conference of key community stakeholders and city and county officials, in which groups developed recommendations for aging in place. Specific recommendations identified were community design, housing, transportation and regional land use and development. The AIP steering committee is currently working through the Summit recommendations to develop a 90-Day action plan—a blueprint to put in place the recommendations that can be implemented quickly, or easily—and also to determine longer range goals and objectives for a 3-5 year plan to make Rochester an “aging-friendly” community. Also in November, Rochester elected a new mayor after the distinguished William A. Johnson, Jr., retired after three terms. Former Mayor Johnson was a vigorous proponent of smart growth, and new commissioner of community development, Julio Vazquez, Sr. informed the AIP Steering committee at its January 2006 meeting that he and the new mayor, Robert J. Duffy, consider aging in place to be a vital issue. The AIP steering committee is very gratified that this important work will continue. Environmental Outcomes of AIP Initiative: The application of smart growth and aging friendly principles will increase health and livability for all community members. The project will educate the Rochester community about the positive impacts of smart growth strategies on the environment. Through local involvement in the Steering Committees and educational seminars and charettes, the project will demonstrate results through the creation of a sustainable community. Next Steps Rochester recently completed a 90 day action plan for Aging in Place to address four basic areas of livability: Community Design, Housing, Regional Land Use and Development, and Transportation. The 90 day plan is a result of discussion from a November 2005 Community Summit (read about summit here), and a longer-term plan is in the works. Underneath the four broad areas several items of action were announced: Community Design: The committee will outline a strategy and identify market research to be conducted to prepare for initiating contact with potential grocery store operators regarding the need for a downtown area grocery store. Additionally, Neighborhood Asset Mapping will be investigated as a responsive method to meeting individual needs of urban seniors. Housing: The committee plans to hold meetings with various organizations and civic units to create a “handyman” service, and establish a connection between volunteers and supportive housing repair and service projects. They also will gather information about maximizing energy efficiency in senior homes for distribution. Regional Land Use and Development: Sessions will be held to educate elected officials, planning councils, and the City’s ten Neighbors Building Neighborhoods Sectors on the regional impact of ‘Aging in Place,’ and information will be distributed through brochures. The committee will meet with the City of Rochester’s Planning and Zoning directors to identify planning and zoning innovations. Transportation: The committee plans to work with the Genesee Transportation Council and Rochester Transportation System to encourage and provide transportation more suitable for seniors, including senior transportation subsidies and discounted parking downtown. |
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