HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/15/2020 Item 9, Umhofer
Wilbanks, Megan
From:betsy umhofer <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Re. Froom Ranch Specific Plan Agenda
Please see letter below relative to the above subject.
Thank you.
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Date: August 10, 2020 at 3:41:42 PM PDT
To: Betsy Umhofer <
Subject: Re. Froom Ranch Specific Plan Agenda
To the Planning Commissioners of San Luis Obispo:
I am long-time resident of San Luis Obispo, hoping to live the “third stage” of life in the City. Villaggio
will provide services as the needs arise. The City has recognized the growing senior population and the
need to provide housing for this population in the housing element of the General Plan. The housing
element recognized the limited number of residential care facilities, especially those that cater to the
elderly. (The findings did not even include Skilled Nursing facilities in their findings — to which the
Villaggio development will add.)
I am at the leading edge of the Baby Boomers who the Social Security Administration says have been
adding 10,000 sixty-five year-olds per day. America’s silver tsunami. Many will age in place, in housing
that is too big for them. They (we) will be entering facilities for care for years to come. Life Plan
Communities such as Villaggio answer both of these concerns: denser housing ( that opens up housing
for families) and care facilities in time of need, all on the same campus, thus reducing traffic.
I like the idea of having all that I will need as I age on one campus. I like the idea of a close, familiar
community of people around me as years go by. My husband and I have looked at 6 Life Plan
Communities all over California in the last 5 years, but we would prefer to stay here, where we have
lived for the last 42 years.
I have seen the importance of proximity of a care facility to a loved one. I have been a Hospice volunteer
at a local Alzheimer facility and see how much it means to families to see their loved ones and vice
versa. But traveling to the facility has sometimes omeant fewer visits. Villaggio’s senior housing will put
family (spouses) within walking distance.
Development on our limited supply of land in the City has emphasized great density for many years.
Villaggio will answer the provision of senior housing with good density in an area of the City which
would otherwise go to commercial development.
While working with Congresswoman Capps for 20 years, I learned a lot about the importance of good
public policy. I think Villaggio, as designed, will add immeasurably to our community.
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Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Betsy R. Umhofer
Sent from my iPad
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