Naperville city officials assembled a Senior Task Force in 2015 assigned to create a framework of amenities and designs for housing that builders can use in order to meet the needs of senior citizens. Co-Chairperson Bev Patterson Frier took on the assignment with vim and vigor, and with the help of her peers created a suggested list of designs for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, stairways, doorways, hallways, entryways, etc. Most of the suggestions would not increase the cost of construction.
The senior task force also suggested that a percentage of multi-unit apartment rentals for seniors over the age of 60 be reserved for those who have an annual income of less than $36,000 per year, with rent of $1000 per month or less.
Builders and developers who accommodate task force suggestions could then enhance their opportunity for approval by city officials when submitting plans to city staff along with the Planning and Zoning Commission and ultimately the Naperville city council for final approval.
Kudos for city officials in being aware of the special needs for senior residents, and for being proactive in creating the Senior Task Force. A tip-of-the-hat to Bev Patterson Frier and her peers for taking on the challenge and making this happen. If government worked as efficiently as Naperville’s Senior Task Force, imagine the possibilities.
