Policy Order O-19

WHEREAS: From 2000 to 2008, Cambridge experienced a 16% population growth in the senior community. As more baby boomers approach retirement age, this integral part of our City's fabric will increase in both number and percentage; and

WHEREAS: For most seniors and disabled residents, income decreases as the price of housing, basic needs, and medical expenses continuously rise, making this demographic group one of the most economically-challenged; and

WHEREAS: Current state and federally subsidized housing developments that serve elderly and disabled persons have been experiencing difficulty in housing the increasing volume of elderly and disabled applicants; and

WHEREAS: One of our City's greatest challenges between the short- and long-term will be meeting the housing needs of our senior and disabled population; and

WHEREAS: Most seniors and disabled Cambridge residents live on fixed incomes which prohibit them from qualifying for  the Community Development Department's (CDD) Inclusionary Zoning rental program because they cannot meet the single person household minimum requirement of $32,950; and

WHEREAS: In an effort to support and protect this vibrant demographic group our City will need to implement new strategies to meet their housing challenges; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the City Solicitor and other appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the City's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to report back to the City Council explaining any challenges associated with the proposed reduction and providing recommendations.