Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#102)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Direct localities to revise the language in their local (town, village, or city) laws to specifically include the needs of older adults in their comprehensive plans as it relates to zoning and planning regulations.
Justification
Specified inclusion of the consideration of older adults' needs in comprehensive plans raises the profile of meeting the needs of older adults in the local land use planning process. It may also lead to necessary zoning adjustments.
Full Proposal
Consider older adults in local land use planning. Direct localities to revise the language in Town, Village, and General City Law relating to the development and adoption of Comprehensive Plans to specifically include:
- References to consider the needs of Older Adults as it relates to zoning and planning regulations.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as long-term. This proposal is interrelated with proposal 15, which proposes a requirement that local governments conduct an evaluation of their zoning codes to determine if they adequately meet the needs of older adults. Any next steps on this proposal would need to be informed by an evaluation of existing municipality codes, regulations and ordinances across the state, such as that proposed in 15, with a focus on identifying common challenges and opportunities to better address the housing needs of older adults. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the legislative session, as implementation would likely require legislative action.