Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#93)
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
Increase funding for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the New York Forward program and the Local Waterfront Revitalization program to increase and expand projects that meet and exceed compliance the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and create healthy, livable, and age-friendly communities for people of all ages and abilities.
Justification
New York State lacks accessible and comfortable public gathering spaces such as parks, town squares, and other areas to wait for transit and meeting areas within the public realm. Public, accessible spaces promote social engagement, reduce social isolation, promote community engagement, improve access to services and businesses. Additional funding for existing programs will allow for improved incorporation of age-friendly, accessibility and inclusivity principles into community planning, design and implementation. These principles can support the creation of healthy, livable, climate resilient, and age friendly communities for all ages and abilities.
Full Proposal
DOS community planning and development programs support projects that comply with the ADA and support accessibility amenities for older New Yorkers and people with mobility, cognitive, and/or sensory restrictions. Such amenities are often cost-prohibitive, especially when the need for projects within these programs far exceeds the capacity of currently available funding.
- Provide an additional $10 million for the DRI and New York Forward program funds and an additional $10 million for other DOS community revitalization and development programs including the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and the Brownfield Opportunity Area program to make them more accessible, inclusive, and intergenerational with a focus on achieving and exceeding ADA Compliance. The provision of increased funding will:
- Create healthy livable communities through improving the built and natural environments.
- Improve and prolong mental and physical health, contributing to avoidance of healthcare and institutionalization.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Next steps for implementation would include an assessment of costs and savings to the state. Funding decisions would be made in the context of the annual budgeting process and subject to available resources.