a. In 2000, 12.8% of the US population were 65 years of age or older. 1 in 8 Americans are over the age of 62. As the "Baby Boomers" reach 62, the impact of those who were born between 1946 and 1964 will create 80 million additional Americans who are 62 years of age or older. The impact is so great that by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be aged 62 years and older. There will be an increased demand for housing that is designed for seniors. Our community will not escape the demand...we need to plan now for affordable housing for the elderly[1].
b. The Village of Kinderhook, Village of Valatie and Town of Kinderhook exceed the national percentage of 12.8%. 18.5% of the Village of Kinderhook, 23.8 of the Village of Valatie and 15.5% of the Town of Kinderhook are 65 years of age and older. These numbers will increase in the future. Presently, there are 1287 people in the Town of Kinderhook, 236 people in the Village of Kinderhook and 407 people in the Village of Valatie who are 65 years of age or older.
c. There are 987 disabled people in the Town of Kinderhook, 149 disabled in the Village of Kinderhook and 193 disabled people in the Village of Valatie. There are way more disabled people in the immediate community than apartments that are available for them. These numbers refute the argument that disabled people will be "imported" into the Village of Valatie for the senior housing.
d. In the Town of Kinderhook there are 63 families living below poverty level and 373 individuals living below poverty level. In the Village of Kinderhook there is 1 family below poverty level and 29 individuals below poverty level. In the Village of Valatie there are 30 families below poverty level and 154 individuals living below poverty level. These statistics refute the idea that there are not enough eligible people for the senior housing. The history of Valatie Woods supports this proposition: Valatie Woods was filled before it was completed; there are 28 people on the waiting list for Valatie Woods and Chatham also has a waiting list.
e. A senior who owns a home is receiving tax exemptions due to age and income. If that senior sells his home and moves into Valatie Woods, the odds are that the buyer will be not be eligible for the exemptions granted to seniors. Therefore, tax revenues will be increased when the home is sold to the new buyer. The PILOT agreement granted to the developer is assuaged by seniors moving into senior housing.
f. There are a total of 556 individuals and 94 families who are living in the Kinderhook and Valatie community at below poverty level. There are 1329 disabled people in the same community. There are 1930 people over the age of 65 in the Kinderhook/Valatie Community. The new senior housing will have 32 units. If it is not built we are denying our neighbors decent, safe and affordable housing. We are not planning for the future increase in the senior population due to the "baby boomers."