This evening from 7-9pm at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, the city will host a “Community Academy” discussion surrounding one of the most powerful arguments for more walkable, “livable” communities – in my opinion – often referred to as “aging in place”.

From DecaturNext…

According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, Lifelong Communities “are places where individuals can live throughout their lifetime; they provide a full range of options to residents, insuring a high quality of life for all.” That means a place that works for kids, for working folks and for seniors.

During the meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, participants will explore a variety of factors related to Housing, Basic Needs, and Community Life, then rank each according to how well (or how poorly) Decatur fares. Those ranked the lowest will warrant discussion of how they might be improved and what potential ideas and initiatives should be worked into the developing Strategic Plan.

Why is aging – of all things – such a powerful argument?  Because it exposes a huge, poorly bandaged hole in the car-based infrastructure model.  I think I can summarize it with a single question:  How many people, each year, are put into nursing homes because they can no longer drive?