Simsbury, Connecticut Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
2/14/2019

Lead Agency: Town of Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission

Age-Friendly Taskforce/Advisory Council/Commission

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Improve community accessibility and comfort for older adults by advocating for the enforcement and expansion of accessible parking spaces, promoting the installation of a protective awning at the Senior Center entrance, supporting the development of a new, single-level, fully accessible Community Center, and increasing the number of benches along main town thoroughfares to enhance walkability and rest opportunities.

  2. Transportation

    Promote safe and accessible transportation options for older adults by advocating for the expansion of Dial-a-Ride services to increase mobility and independence, and encouraging participation in the DMV's Blue & Green Envelopes program to support safe driving practices for individuals with cognitive or communication challenges.

  3. Housing

    Expand housing affordability and accessibility by supporting strategic property tax abatements for both older residents and rental property owners, offering financial incentives for income-limited accessory dwelling units (ADUs), proposing developer incentives to increase the supply of affordable housing, sponsoring educational seminars on preparing homes for aging in place, and advocating for permit fee reductions for accessibility-related home modifications.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Town of Simsbury (2025)

Simsbury, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Simsbury will host an Aging-in-Place Expo at the public library. The expo will feature local building community members, health district officials, and a mobile smart home.

Green & Blue Foundation (2021)

Hartford, CT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: To draw more visitors to Colt Park, organizers with the Green and Blue Foundation hoped to make the area around the green space safer for pedestrians. Hartford's professional soccer team, the Hartford Athletic, hosts games at the park's stadium, the green space is otherwise underused. The Foundation joined with local partners and community leaders to host a walk audit to identify safety and aesthetic improvements that would make Colt Park more attractive to visitors. This project improved crosswalks near the park and installed traffic calming device, including speed bumps. Additionally, the Foundation beautified parking barriers, planted flower beds and added ADA-compliant benches.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP Connecticut State Office

21 Oak Street
Suite 104
Hartford, CT 06106
United States

Phone: 866-295-7279
Fax: 860-249-7707
Email: [email protected]