When members of the Goodrich United Methodist Church approach the Goodrich Planning Commission this May for a proposed senior housing construction project near the church a new growth trend may be inching forward.
‘We felt that there was a growing need for affordable housing for seniors and it was becoming more and more evident,? said Pastor Karl Zeigler.
‘We are commited to getting (the project) off the ground this year. There are about 35 individuals or couples who have indicated a need (in affordable senior housing) who are interested in pursuing renting a apartment? even before we put a shovel in the ground.?
An increase in demand by seniors for housing and services parallels a April report issued by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), the regional planner that encompasses Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
According to the report a major factor that will affect the region in the long-term is the aging of the population. By 2035, Southeast Michigan will have 651,000 more people 65 or older and 296,000 fewer people of prime working age (25-64). For the region, the percentage 65 or older will increase from 12 to 24 percent by 2035.
‘For residential communities like Brandon and Groveland townships along with nearby villages it means a lot more older residents, that need a wider range of housing options,? said Jim Rogers SEMCOG Data Center Manager.
‘Other needs will also change including transportation, medical facilities and assisted-living,? said Rogers. ‘The building industry will recognize that trends and make those changes already shifting, with more condominiums for empty-nest households. The one sector with strong growth will be health care and social services.?
The trend has not yet been evident in the Ortonville area.
Annette Beach, Edna Burton Senior Coordinator which serves about 200 seniors in the Brandon, Groveland townships and Ortonville area says their numbers have been constant through the past few years.
‘We’ve had no great increase in demand,? said Beach, who has worked with area seniors for the past 18 years.
‘If we get a greater demand our biggest challegne will be funding. Right now it’s somewhat limited, I would hope they would increase dollars if we have a larger influx of seniors.?