The Village of Wilson is a newly certified member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, signaling its commitment to be a more livable place for older residents.
The bid for Age-Friendly certification is one of several moves village leaders are making to position Wilson for growth.
Last week the village board hired Insight Architects and LaBella Associates to research and draft a downtown revitalization strategy. The firms were retained by the village using a recently awarded $20,000 grant from the New York Main Street program. Their assignment is to suggest a plan for enhancing the village’s “historic charm” while modernizing key areas of its commercial district. In the process they’ll undertake a detailed market analysis that identifies local business opportunities.
Newly elected Mayor Greg Martin said previously that having a downtown revitalization plan is the first step toward obtaining NY Forward funding, which could be advanced to property and business owners in support of small business start-up or expansion in the central business district. The village has struggled for awhile with small business closings, most recently the Lakeside grocery market due to a fire.
Meanwhile, membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities will give the village access to technical expertise as it comes up with an action plan to be more “age-friendly,” as well as another leg up in the grant chase, according to Martin.
AARP says the U.S. Census Bureau has advised that by 2034 the nation will have more people age 65 or older than under 18, and communities in the Age-Friendly network are committed to figuring out what their residents need — transportation options? different or more affordable housing? specific commercial and social outlets? — to age well in place.
Pointing out the joint Town and Village of Wilson Comprehensive Plan says the village should be the commercial hub of the town, Martin said the local senior population has to be considered in Wilson’s downtown revitalization plan. The latest Census data shows residents 65-or-older account for 20.3% of the town population and 17% of the village population.
Step 1 in the Age-Friendly Community action plan is a survey asking what seniors want and need to make Wilson their forever residence.
Martin said a 16-question paper survey will be distributed at local churches, Wilson Community Library and the village / town hall, and all senior residents of Wilson — the town as well as the village — are encouraged to participate.
“To help our residents age in place… it would be nice to find out what they need, and work toward that,” he said.
The Age-Friendly network has members using their survey results to develop and implement an action plan with AARP guidance.