MONROE, CT — The Ridge at Monroe and Cutlers Crossing are among the housing communities for those age 55 and older throughout the town. Among its advantages, senior housing enables older residents to downsize, while staying in their hometowns, and it does not place added costs on the school system. But Monroe was close to the maximum allowable limit for these types of developments.
At its meeting on Feb. 20, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to local zoning regulations, increasing age restricted housing from six to 10 percent of Monroe’s total dwelling units.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathleen Gallagher said the change allows for the creation of about 220 more units of age restricted housing.
Vice Chairman Bruno Maini, who served as acting chairman for the meeting on Feb. 20, said 220 units is a lot, but something the commission could always revisit. The change allows the commission to approve an age restricted development if one is proposed for a suitable property.
First Selectman Terry Rooney is among the strong proponents of the change.
“I’m very happy to see that the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved an increase to our senior housing,” he said after the vote. “Our seniors have expressed to me that they are very concerned about housing that they can afford in town. My hope is that this opportunity will invite development that is reasonable and that Planning and Zoning will be creative in making this happen. This increase in the ability to build senior living will help keep our seniors in town and grow the potential for more health services in Monroe.”
During the meeting on Feb. 20, Gallagher told commissioners area councils of governments reviewed the proposal and determined there would be no significant regional impact.
Maini noted how the local population is getting older and that there is a drop in the birth rate nationwide. “This is a way to keep people in town, especially people who lived in town a long time,” he said.
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Why would any senior want to move to a town with crazy high property taxes such as Monroe? Seems like unless this is going to go to affordable senior housing developments this seems useless. Also for those who say these developments don’t cause increases in the schools, you are also looking at increases for Monroe EMS which at this point the discussion has to be having a paid EMS. On top of that additional costs towards senior services. Just like regular SFH developments these developments are a wash. The town should be looking at promoting developments that will help keep young professionals who grew up in town to be able to stay here. This demographic doesn’t create the same strain that developments focused on families and seniors cause.