Here’s why SLO’s proposed Villaggio project deserves your support

We are enthusiastic supporters of Villaggio, the proposed life plan community slated for development at the foot of the Irish Hills, near Home Depot.

By definition, a life plan community provides seniors with independent living and, when needed, assisted living, skilled-nursing care and long-term memory care, all on one campus.

We have friends who are skeptical about the need for such a project.

To answer their concerns, we’ve said that we sincerely believe Villaggio will benefit our entire community.

Also, we personally have our own reasons for wanting Villaggio approved:

• The “joy” of home maintenance is rapidly diminishing.
• As we age, we know we will need more help with everyday activities — driving, cooking, shopping, cleaning.
• We know that many of us will need even more help — including access to skilled nursing and long-term memory care, which is in short supply in our county.
• And for the rest of our lives, we want to stay where we have so many friends, deep roots and a network of strong support.

Living at Villaggio would relieve us of some burdens so we don’t burden others, and give us more time — and help — to focus on what we truly enjoy: Family and friends, hobbies and activities and continued engagement in our community’s civic life.

We believe Villaggio will benefit the entire community because it will:

• Enhance SLO’s reputation as a progressive community. Life plan communities are increasingly common in progressive cities elsewhere in California and around the country, and are viewed as a creative and healthy response to the needs of our fast-growing senior population. The Santa Barbara-Montecito area alone has at least three similar offerings. Our community has none.
• Retain experienced, civically engaged residents. Many who have paid a deposit to hold a spot at Villaggio have made significant professional and volunteer contributions to our community. They come from all walks of life — teachers and nurses, doctors and lawyers, accountants and government workers. They want to stay here and remain active in the community. Unfortunately, some of our friends already have felt the need to leave our community in search of services like those Villaggio offers. We all benefit when good citizens stay in our community.
• Increase housing for younger residents. Of the 600+ people who have expressed a strong interest in Villaggio, the vast majority are SLO County residents. When they move to Villaggio, they will free up traditional, single-family housing, increasing options for younger families.

We strongly believe Villaggio will enhance San Luis Obispo’s reputation as a forward- thinking, creative and caring community.

We hope our City Council agrees.

Katcho Achadjian is a former state assemblyman and SLO County supervisor; Lynn Kelly-Enoch is a retired director of student services at Cuesta College; Bob Koob is a retired Cal Poly provost; and Betsy Umhofer is the former district representative for retired Congresswoman Lois Capps. All four authors are on the Villaggio reservation list.

This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 12:50 PM.