HomeMy WebLinkAboutWPA-99-01 (2)IMPLICATIONS
The aging of both our population and housing has broad implications for the
future. If the number and percentage of older residents continue to climb, demand for
such things as health care, alternative housing, and leisure/recreation programs and
facilities oriented toward seniors will climb. Social service needs will most likely also
climb as more people qualify under the social umbrella. The retail and service sector
will respond to the purchasing characteristics of an older population leaving certain types
of goods and services void within the community. Revenue to the City may fall in the
area of.sales taxes and Open Space revenue sharing. It is shown that seniors, as a
group, have lower spending habits than younger populations. Additionally, seniors have
fewer automobiles per household than younger families, hence Wheat Ridge may show
a decline in Open Space Fund share in the future because the share formula is based
upon auto registrations, rater than population.
As our housing stock continues to age, maintenance and modernization will
become more important. Strong code enforcement will be necessary in order to prevent
blighting conditions. More older single family homes may convert from owner occupied
to rental units if the City cannot accommodate owners' modernization and expansion
needs through zoning and building codes. Increasing ratios of rental to owner units may
contribute to neighborhood decline due to erosion of neighborhood/ownership pride.
These implications, and others not fully identified, will affect the future of Wheat
Ridge. It is important that the City plan for the changes that will accompany the aging
process, otherwise the negative aspects of community aging will bring significant
problems for future generations.
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