Senator Foley Encourages Age-Integrated Communities

Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point) sponsored legislation (S4981), which passed the senate last week, that would encourage age-integrated communities.

The legislation creates model zoning and planning guidelines that foster age-integrated communities. This will allow senior citizens to live in units in areas zoned for single family residences and recommends age-integrated housing development or redevelopment demonstration projects in urban, suburban and rural areas of New York.

“Our seniors are an important component of the makeup of our state,” said Senator Foley. “They often take part in our civics, veterans groups and volunteer organizations. They provide the community with the memories and knowledge needed to keep our cultural and social history alive. I was glad to be able to sponsor this legislation. These types of developments are essential for building intergenerational relationships that are important to have between our seniors and the younger residents of our state.”

The bill also provides for the establishment of an annual award to a senior citizen for outstanding and unusual contributions to the community and a program of education and information related to age discrimination.

The companion bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Englebright, passed the assembly in February.