Elmira could use a large apartment complex for seniors

To the Editor, RE: “AGE FRIENDLY PLAN needs to jibe with dollars and sense “(Observer, May 18/17).

Not being a member of council or a town planner, I do not understand what the obstacles are to having a large seniors’ apartment building in the south end of Elmira, near the grocery stores and restaurants. Apartment buildings do not require taxpayers’ dollars, as they are privately owned.

There are many beautiful, large older houses scattered throughout Elmira that have been made into apartments. While this is profitable for the owners, it appears to have many disadvantages for seniors.

1. No elevators. Seniors with arthritis or heart problems need elevators.

2. Not soundproof. Stairs and doors closing and young families renting upstairs can be noisy.

3. No socialization. In many cases, seniors are isolated in such apartments.

4. Not on the bus route. Seniors who no longer drive need transportation to a multitude of appointments. We are very fortunate to have Kiwanis Transit and Community Care Concepts and volunteer drivers in Elmira, but pickups are scattered.

5. No accommodation for out of town parents who want to move to Elmira to be near their children in order to get personal help such as banking, powers of attorney, health decisions and social needs.

6. No accommodation for local seniors who can no longer maintain their single-family homes.

7. No accommodation for seniors who cannot afford to buy a condo and have enough money left over for food.

8. No accommodation for seniors who do not want to get involved in real estate.

A large seniors’ apartment building with 100 units means social time for residents (they already know many of their neighbours). A bus two or three times a day to grocery stores, medical centres, the library or seniors’ centre at a minimum cost would be easy to organize. Meals on Wheels or dining room service could be another feature, plus an exercise room, and party room availability.

Elderly people have many talents and organizational abilities. There must be some reason why Woolwich council is reluctant to authorize a new large seniors’ complex.