Older residents constitute a growing percentage of Brookline’s population; over 20% of Brookline’s population is 60 years old or older. Here are a few issues of particular concern to older residents that I will focus on as a Select Board member.

Housing

Older Brookline residents face many housing challenges:

• Finding and retaining affordable housing close to the community they rely on.
• Paying property taxes, maintenance and rental fees that are rising faster than their fixed incomes.
• For older residents below or near the poverty line, having to devote too much of their income to housing costs, leaving little for other necessities.

More housing for older residents will provide many benefits. More housing near our small businesses will improve access to goods and services that older residents need. More housing will also provide more affordable options for older residents who want to downsize while remaining in Brookline. New housing that complies with fossil free fuel requirements will make our environment cleaner, and provide health and safety benefits to older residents who are especially vulnerable to excessive heat.

Transportation

Good transportation is key to ensuring that older residents remain a vibrant part of our community. Whether depending on public transportation, services provided by the town or their own means of transportation, we must accommodate various modes of transportation while keeping everyone safe. For example, streets that must support pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles need clearer separation of the different modes to ensure the safety of everyone.

Facilities

The Senior Center, a hub for our community, has grown over the last 40 years to serve older residents from across Brookline. The programming and other services provided by the Senior Center are highly valued. I will work with the leadership of the Senior Center to broaden its reach and ensure that all older residents of Brookline can participate in The Center’s vibrant community.