More flexibility needed with zoning for singlefamily homes

There has been an effort by the town to create forums for discussion on possible changes to zoning regulations. These are important in that the town and the needs of its citizens have changed since real effort has been put into looking how they work with today’s needs.

One of the biggest and maybe in the past, the most sacrosanct, is singlefamily zoning. The regulation states that in certain zones only one family can live on the property even though there may be out buildings or accessory structures on the property. With so many seniors needing longterm care and with many younger people staying at home longer due to real estate prices, the town needs to seriously look at changing this regulation to afford more opportunities for people to care and house family members on their own property in a manner where they can have their own living quarters with kitchens.

The fastestgrowing business is senior care and and livein facilities, but the costs are very high and for many having the ability to have family elders live on their own on your property is a far more costeffective, and quite honestly more compassionate, approach. Further, for young families that are trying to build up their own future having a living space on property outside the house allows them not only to save money for future homes, but also allows stayathome grandparents to help care for children in a twoperson working family.

These are all real conditions of today’s living environment and now is the time to look at adjustments that will allow these uses.

Andy Glazer Norwalk