Submitted By
Cara Pavlicek, Village Manager
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 (“Administration”) of the Oak Park Village Code by Adding a New Article 35 (“Aging in Place Commission”)
End
Overview
Overview
The Village Board adopted its 2018-2019 Board Goals on February 5, 2018 pursuant to Resolution Number 18-781 and one of its goals is “Service Delivery/Customer Service” and within that “Customer Service” under which is the objective to establish a Commission on Seniors to inform the Village on policies related to aging in place.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approval.
Fiscal Impact
The Commission will require administrative staff support.
Background
According to United Nations estimates, the number of older persons (60+) will double from the current 600 million to 1.2 billion by 2025, and again, to 2 billion by 2050. The vast majority of older people live in their homes and communities, yet some of these environments that have not been designed with their needs and capacities in mind.
Seniors need access to a spectrum of different housing types. In 2010, there were 5,535 seniors 65 years of age and older living in Oak Park. By 2015, that number grew to 6,194. This was the only age population (65+) to see a significant increase in numbers between 2010 and 2015.
Currently, Oak Park provides seniors many different housing choices. In Oak Park, we know there are almost 1000 households that consist primarily of seniors earning below $50,000 a year and they live in owner occupied housing (homes & condos). These individuals can afford to do so because many have paid off their mortgages and take advantage of the senior citizen tax freeze or tax exemption from Cook County.
Additionally, the Village provides zero interest loans to these seniors who are income eligible households so that they can make needed repairs to their homes. Owners pay back the Village when they sell their homes.
We are hearing from the developers building the new apartments and condominium units in Oak Park that many of their new residents are in their 60s and are downing sizing. These new buildings have modern amenities, elevators and are close to downtown shopping.
The Village has a number of affordable housing complexes that primarily serve low-income persons who are seniors or disabled examples include Mills Park Tower, the Oaks and Heritage House for a total of close to 500 units.
For those residents needing more assistance with their independent living needs or fear that they will need assistance in the future, we have Belmont Village, Brookdale (Holley Court) and Oak Park Arms. These facilities have both long and short term options and a variety of types of assistance.
The Village also has two nursing homes, Oak Park Health Care on Harlem and Berkley Nursing Rehab on North Ave.
In terms of infrastructure, the Village can be considered an age friendly community as every year the Village appropriates $500,000 to $1 million federal funds from the Community Development Block grant to increase the accessibility of sidewalks and streets making it easier for seniors to stay active.
The Village of Oak Park has the second highest walkability score in the State of Illinois. Our average score is a 78 which means that we are very walkable and most areas have amenities such as recreation and shopping within walking distance.
The Village has a Township that serves the needs of seniors solely within the Village of Oak Park. They provide support programs, meal programs and transportation. They will also work with seniors who are at risk.
The ordinance provides for a seven member commission of consisting of persons over the age of 55 who are residents or represent an Oak Park provider of senior services.
The purpose of the Commission will be for the Village Board to receive policy recommendations related to matters concerns seniors aging in place and within the purview of the Village government (as opposed to the Township senior services). For example, the Village Board establishes polices related to housing, public infrastructure and public safety, all areas which inform the ability of seniors to age in place.
Alternatives
The Village Board could elect to defer consideration to a later date in order to obtain additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
N/A.