The Cutting Edge!
Howard County Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development released an RFQ for affordable, sustainable and Universal Design homes on a small parcel. I believe this is the first time these three factors have been combined in one place. The county required a Universal Design consultant on each team. This is a bold move that makes complete sense.
What can be more important to those with limited incomes than assurance their home will last them a long time with minimized energy and use costs and will continue meeting their needs throughout their lifespans? Everyone who buys a home want to Age in Place. Everyone wants costs held down. This county is making a stand.
I am especially excited about the project because I am on the winning team!!! I had impact on the proposal. I will carry though the whole project. One home site may be retained by the county as a learning tool. I will be weighing in on that as well. The project, called the Glens at Guilford, is a dream come true opportunity. Other team members include Baltimore Green Construction, Marks-Thomas Architects, Poole Design, Min Engineers and Stavrou Associates.
Howard County Maryland is a very progressive community. The Rouse Company built the planned community of Columbia, Md. there opening in 1967. Howard County has been a leader on livable communities, visitability and Universal Design with the Howard County Homes for Life Coalition I helped launch a few years back under the legendary Phyllis Madachy‘s leadership.
This is some of the harvest from seeds planted long ago. A good lesson for advocates. I will keep you posted here as this crop grows.
Louis Tenenbaum, one of the nation's leading authorities on aging in place, is the founder of HomesRenewed, a coalition of business, consumers and nonprofits, driving policy and investment to increase the number of age-friendly homes.
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Congratulations on your progress!
I look forward to following your project.
Peter
Maui
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