College Park Seniors Committee

College Park Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting May 4, 2022 7:00 p.m. Final Minutes Seniors Committee Members: PRESE ABSEN NT T 1. Woei-Nan Bair X 2. Ann Bolduc X 3. Adele Ellis X 4. Carol Gray X 5. Mary Anne Hakes X 6. Janet Hawley X 7. Carissa Janis X 8. Bonnie McClellan X 9. Darlene Nowlin X 7:23 p.m. 10. Arelis Perez X 11. Robert Thurston X Also present : Agnes Artemel, Lee Higgins, Edythe Kllerher Karen Mierow; Joi Woods, Contract Secretary New Business I. AARP Livability Project Draft Action Plan, Artemel and Associates- Presentation Consultants from Artemel and Associates provided an overview of the draft action plan for the AARP Livability Project’s first year activities. The presentation's emphasis was on short-term action items. Identifying funding and resources were noted as priorities. A. Scoring Methodology The AARP Livability Project uses a complex scoring methodology involving data points similar to the US Census and the American Community Survey. Factors including income inequality, jobs per worker, age diversity, and high school graduation rates comprise a nationwide composite score. 1) The overall score consists of seven areas: Housing, Neighborhood Transportation, Environment, Health, Engagement, and Opportunity a. College Park scores with 55 overall points, higher than the US median 50 and slightly lower than Hyattsville and Montgomery County 1  b. The consultants noted that scores would increase if the recommendations outlined in the action measure were implemented B. Housing Action Items 1) Promoting first-time homeownership by providing financial assistance after assessing support needs 2) Proposal to develop a Housing Trust Fund by College Park University Partnership to include funding and volunteer resources 3) Require developers to include more affordable housing 4) Roommate matching 5) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) · Currently completely not permitted in PG county · Developing a home maintenance, accessibility, and rehab program for seniors C. Transportation Action Items Transportation was noted by Artemel and Associates as the least needy area due to access to public transportation, bicycle trails, and on-demand Senior Transportation. Slight modifications were recommended by the consultants instead of major changes. 1) Enhancing the access to on-demand senior transportation 2) Establishing crossing islands and curb extensions to improve capabilities for Seniors to cross streets 3) Increasing time for crosswalks to allow ample time for all residents to cross streets 4) Expanding the sidewalk program to create sidewalks in neighborhoods that do not have them as capital improvements are implemented 5) Providing training support for residents to access public transportation (purchasing and using SMART trip cards, etc.) D. Social Participation Action Items 1) Scheduling additional events within local neighborhoods 2) Partnering with non-government organizations 3) Creating easy access to continuing education and volunteer opportunities E. Health Services and Community Support The majority of data collected was related to the long-term goal of establishing a new Community Center, short term recommendations were made by the consultants. 1) Hosting congregant community meals in addition to Meals on Wheels 2) Collaboration with UMD to utilize facilities owned by the university 2  3) Establishing a community contact system F. Communication and information Communication was noted as a strong, well-implemented area according to the consultants’ findings, with challenges related to timely awareness among residents. The consultants recommended 1) 4) Monthly televised townhall meetings to increase access to information 2) 5) Creating a database of volunteer opportunities 3) 6) Installing an outdoor fitness gym as an interim use 4) 7) Distributing printed, translated publications (that are currently only available online) via mail, making them available for residents to pick up 5) 8) Acquiring a reverse 911 system 6) 9) Establishing a city texting services II. AARP Livability Project Draft Action Plan- Artemel and Associates- Implementation & Group Discussion The consultants shared an additional overview of the process to facilitate the action items. The recommendations involved use of a vision statement, goals, objectives, and actions. Specific details including tasks, responsible persons, designated leaders, available resources, timeframes, and benchmarks to measure success were emphasized. The benchmarks are derived from the AARP Livability scoring system. A. Agnes Artemel recommended additional internal strategic planning sessions once the short action plan is established. The intent of the strategic planning sessions is to build support for the implementation of the action plan including promotional, marketing, and outreach efforts. B. Group Discussion The consultants and committee members discussed the short-term action measures. Some noted points included. 1) The Cohousing Community structure. The model highlights the intentionality of creating a community of support among residents including organized activities and gatherings. 2) Anomalies and considerations related to the consultants’ transportation findings and analysis as it relates to access to public transportation and Senior on-demand transportation. a. Committee members noted the need for consideration of the overarching impact of the low walkability in College Park. Hindrances to access public transportation including neighborhoods without sidewalks were also noted. Low walkability and its impact on accessing transportation have been noted as one of the largest factors that influence senior residents to leave College Park and relocate to other communities. 3  b. Consideration for differentiation among the accessibility to shuttle services and on-demand transportation 3) identifying Financial Assistance for senior residents seeking to downsize their housing (i.e. transitioning from a home to a condo) 4) Hosting active listening sessions to get community feedback about each of the livability areas and the city’s active role in creating a path forward for legal change. 5) Working together with developers to spur negotiations among municipalities and developers 6) Providing incentives for developers to develop affordable housing within a specified period of time 7) Consideration for the city to require developers to adhere to a 10-15% ratio for affordable housing for land developed in College Park. III. AARP Livability Project Draft Action Plan- Artemel and Associates- Next Steps A. Artemel and Associates will present the Action Plan to Mayor and Council on 5/17/2022. 1) Bonnie McClellan requested an opportunity for the committee to review the draft action plan before presentation to Mayor and City Council. 2) The plan will be placed on the agenda for a Mayor and Council work session before final approvals. Old Business I. Call to Order Mary Anne Hakes called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. II. Approval of Agenda- May 5, 2022 Bonnie McClellan motioned to approve the agenda for May 5, 2022, as written. Janet Hawley seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. III. Approval of Minutes- April 6, 2022 Arelis Perez motioned to approve the minutes from April 6, 2022, as written. Bonnie McClellan seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. 4 IV. City of College Park Updates A. Kiaisha Barber provided city updates a. The Neighborhood Perseveration Trust grant allotment for First-time homebuyers was increased. 2) Pursuit of affordable housing for seniors The committee discussed: a. The city is exploring options to convert the lot (on Calvert Road & Rhode Island Ave) using the Universal Design Concept b. Exploring opportunities to gain support from The Neighborhood Perseveration Trust to establish affordable housing for residents who are aging in place. 3) City Staff a. The city is recruiting a Racial Equity Officer b. Youth and Family Services has acquired two new Case Workers V. Neighbors Helping Neighbors College Park (NHN-CP) Update Janet Hawley provided an update about current goals and plans to recruit Volunteers and spur visibility. NHN-CP is participating during the Friday Kick-off VI. AARP Livability Update A. The AARP Livability kick-off event will be held in conjunction with the Friday Night Live Summer Series,5/13/22 at 6:30 p.m. · 1-2 large tables under a tent during the event; Committee Members will coordinate attendance details -Volunteer Sign up Carol Grey, CP-SAC; Janet Hawley, NHN-CP · Kevin Blackerby has requested a written script & talking points to highlight the initiative, people to recognize, and where to pick up information during breaks in the performance. o The committee discussed using the details about the AARP Livability initiative noted in the Senior newsletter as a part of the script. · Displays & Door Prizes- AARP Livability domains, Mental Health Month; door prizes from local businesses. Kiaisha Barber requested suggestions for door prizes. Arelis Perez will donate gift cards for door prizes. · Participating Committee members are requested to be on hand to offer information about the domains for inquiring residents. Mental Health Month display and resources are being promoted through the city’s website and The Municipal Scene. Additional Mental Health Month collateral and information will be shared during the AARP Livability kickoff event. 5  IX. Events & Announcements A. 5/19/22-College Park Housing Authority Celebration- Health and Wellness Fair & 50 years of service at Attick Towers B. 6/4/22- College Park Pic Nic In the Park C. Partnering with the College Park Housing Authority to present an event, An Evening Under the Stars X. Summer Recess & Next Meeting The committee discussed resuming meetings in September. XI. Adjournment Bonnie McClellan motioned to adjourn the meeting . Arelis Perez seconded the motion. All were in favor, none opposed. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m. 6