AMENITIES FOR SENIORS MULLED CITY EYES GRAB BARS, WIDER DOORS, MORE.

Byline: Angie Valencia-Martinez Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - The city is being urged to adopt senior-friendly design requirements - like handrails in hallways and stepless entrances -for senior housing developments popping up around town.

The nonprofit Simi Valley Council for Senior Housing is backing the move to accommodate older people, who make up about 18,000 residents of Simi Valley. By 2013, seniors will make up 30 percent of the local population.

``This world is suddenly realizing that seniors are different,'' said Judy Dwyer, housing liaison to the Simi Valley Council on Aging. ``Their needs are different, and they require considerations in advancing years.''

Specifically, the group is pushing for adoption of ``universal design'' guidelines to ensure homes are accessible to everyone whether they are able-bodied or in a wheelchair, as they age or lose mobility.

The group wants the city to develop a laundry list for developers detailing the features required in designated senior projects so they are all built the same.

``We need a definition for what senior housing is that lists amenities to be added when the place is built,'' said Judy Pepiot, community coordinator for the nonprofit group. ``Our movement on senior housing is not about making it handicapped equipped but making it reasonable. Everyone wants to remain independent. People have pride in being able to take care of themselves.''

Such design features might include extra-wide doorways, handrails in hallways, knee space under the sink and cooktop, pull-out shelves, grab bars in the tub or shower, stepless entrances, more lighting - amenities that allow people to stay at their homes as long as possible.

Senior advocates became concerned after the completion of the 176-unit Vintage Paseo Senior Apartments at the southeast corner of Tapo Canyon Road and Avenida Simi. Dwyer told the Affordable Housing Committee recently that with the exception of the disabled apartments, there is no difference between these senior apartments and other non-senior standard apartments in the city.

``We need to work some of those features into the guidelines for development,'' said Mayor Paul Miller, who sits on the committee. ``For people getting older, they need special features in their homes to get around. What they're asking for is reasonable.''

The key, they say, is to catch developers early. The organization approached developer Gary Gorian of Colton Lee Communities, LLC, who is proposing a mix-use project with 36 affordable senior apartment units at Tapo Street.

The project awaits the formal review process, but already developers have incorporated the universal design concepts into the design.

``It clearly adds cost, but a senior apartment home is not much use to a senior if they can't use it,'' Gorian said. ``Senior citizens (are) the fastest growing segment of our population; people age.''

The City Council has asked to review the policy on senior housing, which may lead to an ordinance requiring universal designs suggestions in every age-restricted housing.

On Monday, the council will discuss the topic and is expected to direct staff to prepare a report and offer recommendations concerning the housing design guidelines for seniors, once the California Department of Housing and Community Development releases its final draft model ordinances that address universal design guidelines.

By law, senior projects must include: security screen doors, gas cooking appliances, central air and heating systems, and railings/grab bars in the bathrooms for the handicapped, according to staff.

Angie Valencia-Martinez, [phone]

angie.valencia(at)dailynews.com