Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Age Friendly Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bellbrook unveils AARP‑aligned Age‑Friendly action plan to address sidewalks, housing and social programs
Summary
City staff presented an Age‑Friendly Action Plan developed with AARP and regional partners that identifies 13 goals and 22 action items across eight livability domains; staff highlighted walkability, housing (including ADUs), communications, transportation options and outreach to older residents.
Bellbrook City staff presented an AARP‑aligned Age‑Friendly Action Plan at the council meeting, outlining a package of policies and programs intended to make the city more accessible and supportive for older residents while improving livability for all ages.
City staff said Bellbrook joined the AARP Network of Age‑Friendly States and Communities in 2020 and used community survey responses and focus groups to shape the plan. “Of Bellbrook’s approximately 7,300 residents, 16% are age 65 and above,” presenter Mikayla Grant said during the presentation, citing the community assessment. The plan uses the AARP/World Health Organization eight domains of livability and includes 13 goals and 22 action items.
Major issues identified in the community assessment were walkability and sidewalk conditions (uneven or missing sidewalks and poor lighting cited by roughly half to 60% of respondents), a shortage of accessible and affordable housing options, and demand for more programs and fitness/recreation options. Proposed action items include continuing downtown streetscape projects, assessing sidewalk lighting, expanding zoning tools that encourage aging‑in‑place (including an existing allowance for accessory dwelling units), developing a transportation options guide, and promoting community programs run by local partners such as the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District.
The plan also calls for annual tasks and capacity building: updating the city’s newsletter and website with age‑friendly resources, training front‑line staff on interacting respectfully with people living with dementia, exploring volunteer programs to help with home maintenance, and investigating grants and regional funding sources to support implementation.
Councilmembers asked about grant opportunities and business accessibility. Staff said grants are available through regional partners and foundations and that some action items — such as business outreach on accessible entries — will appear in future iterations of the plan.
Council praised the presentation and encouraged staff to pursue grants and partnerships. Staff said some items are already underway and that the plan is intended to be a living document, with further community input and periodic updates.
