The recently-released Lifelong Decatur Survey reveals the primary concerns among veteran residents include mobility, housing affordability and higher taxes associated with city schools. The survey included 29 questions of both multiple choice and opinions, with ultimately 638 responding.
Older residents expressed a need for a city-wide shuttle, and also a preference for a smaller or “cottage-type” homes instead of condos or apartments. The city did announce last week that the East College Avenue development — with construction slated to begin next year — will include 95 apartments for seniors, including 19 that will be “affordable housing” units, with a maximum rent of $640 per month.
“It’s not that we want to turn Decatur into a retirement community,” said Lifelong Community Coordinator Lee Ann Harvey. “But seniors are concerned with some of the same things millennials want — fewer cars and smaller homes.”
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