LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Prior to Cuyahoga County’s latest home valuation appraisal -- which finds Lakewood homes’ worth increasing 27 percent on average-- the city was already in the process of exploring affordable housing options related to seniors aging in place.
Specifically, Lakewood’s Department of Planning and Development, tasked with investigating such housing barriers facing seniors, recently presented the Planning Commission with its findings and recommendations.
The effort is a priority of Mayor Meghan George, as well as Lakewood Ward 2 City Councilman Jason Shachner.
“As we know, Lakewood is the city of homes, but our homes are turn-of-the-last-century, so it’s appropriate for us to look at all options, including zoning codes and variances, to see what we can do to help people age in place in our community,” George said.
“There is an equity component as well. Especially with county assessments this year, it’s a holistic approach looking at many barriers to people aging in place or being able to stay in their homes,” she said.
Shachner said the city’s effort will lead to zoning code changes that would make it easier to build additions to seniors’ homes and allow for first-floor master bedrooms.
“Residents can also expect a discussion about how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be part of the solution to provide additional housing options for families and seniors,” Shachner said.
An ADU is defined as an independent dwelling unit with facilities for sleeping, a kitchen and full bath that is on the same property as a larger, primary dwelling unit. Think in-law suite.
Considering that housing prices are increasing, building an ADU is typically less expensive than a new freestanding house, ranging in cost from $40,000 to $150,000.
More so, such construction encourages intergenerational living, which enables aging in place, and can incorporate universal design principles that are ADA compliant.
The end result not only allows for additional housing options, but also increases property values -- which dovetails the conversation back to the county’s recent assessments that saw Birdtown’s homes grow in value by more than 40 percent.
“In some regards, the home value increase is good,” George said. “It means that Lakewood continues to be a desirable community and we’re doing things right. People want to come here, they want to invest in their homes, so that portion of it is good.
“The issue is where we’re taxing people out of homes that they’ve lived in for decades, or the equity issue of people across all spectrums of life aren’t able to make Lakewood their home,” she said.
“That’s what’s always been great about Lakewood, what makes us so unique and also makes us so desirable, is that people of all incomes are able to find a home here in Lakewood. That needs to continue.”
Something being examined by Lakewood’s Planning Department is Philadelphia’s Longtime Owner Occupants Program (LOOP), a real estate tax relief initiative for eligible homeowners whose property assessments increase by 50 percent or more over the previous year.
Participants must also fall within income limits and meet length of home ownership requirements.
“There are some guidelines the homeowners must meet with LOOP, but that’s one option,” George said. “Perhaps there’s something similar here in Cuyahoga County we could implement, but the goal is to have the discussion.
“This is a serious issue for more than just Lakewood. People are being priced out of their homes all over the county and we have to look at what options are available and what policies we can implement to ensure our communities remain places for everyone.”
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