Creating a Livable Community in Burlington



Creating a Livable Community in Burlington

As the people of Burlington age, will our community be ready? Burlington has repeatedly been cited as one of the America’s most livable communities for children and families. But is it, or will it be, one of America’s most livable communities for people of all ages? Or looking at it another way, can residents of Burlington say, “this is a great place to grow old.”

There is no one formula for what makes a community livable, but it has common elements, including affordable and appropriate housing, an array of options for mobility, and community services. Many of these elements exist to one degree or another in Burlington. However, Burlington lacks an explicit vision for how it will meet the needs of its aging population and make the city a truly livable community for all its residents.

We are not alone. Livability is seldom discussed until it has become obvious that a community doesn’t meet the needs of its aging population. The result too often is that older residents must move or live in homes that don’t meet their needs, and in communities that don’t support them. Isolation often results which leads to diminished quality of life, lack of social contact and declining physical and mental health.

When the conversation about livability does happen, it is often limited to topics of economic growth, or sprawl, or the allocation of scarce resources. And, while all of these elements are critical factors in the way a community grows, adapts to changing needs, and remains vibrant – there is much more to creating a “livable community.”

Livability is affordable housing options that enable individuals to remain in the communities to which they have long-term attachments. At the same time, good home design, founded on ease of use and accessibility, enables individuals to enjoy the full use of their residence as they age. Community features and services play their own prominent role.

In addition to home and community features, livable communities must include mobility options that allow non-drivers to stay connected to their communities. Bicycle paths, transit systems, and human services transportation can reduce reliance on personal cars and increase opportunities for local involvement. A safe pedestrian environment with good sidewalks, easy access to grocery stores, health centers, recreational facilities, cultural events, and other services also contribute to a livable community.

Each community must identify the important aspects that are needed to make their community livable for people of all ages. That’s why AARP Vermont is joining the City of Burlington and other community organizations in launching the Burlington Livable Community Project to define a vision for Burlington, assess the needs of residents, and identify concrete action steps that can be taken to make Burlington one of America’s best places to grow old. In doing this, we will be one of the first communities in the country to deliberately chart a course for the future that addresses the needs of the aging population.

Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle

1/06

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