To the editor:
Peterborough needs houses for local seniors. Many seniors have lived here for most of their lives contributing to the community as volunteers before and after they retired. Houses are also needed for the workforce that does the jobs seniors and others need done. Seniors living on a single Social Security check need housing that has reasonable taxes and low upkeep costs. Workers at the hospital, schools, restaurants, and other local businesses need housing they can afford on their wages.
One-bedroom and two-bedroom homes that can be close together, condominium style, would accomplish this nicely. The yardwork, plowing, and other services would be part of the condominium fee, while the home itself would be owned by the resident. Pride of ownership is important.
Peterborough has had a lovely group of homes like this on Cheney Avenue for 45 years. It is enjoyed by residents of different ages and different life stages. Locating homes like this near the town center would allow residents to walk to town and enjoy the many businesses, services, and town activities that are offered there.
Do you want to live the last 20 years of your life in Peterborough, in a home of your own? Do you want a starter home in town? Think of how that can happen. It starts now, with a team effort. People of different ages and incomes working together to create neighborhoods to share.
Think outside the box and you may get a whole new view of what you can do to improve the housing options for yourselves and your children in the near future.
Beth Alpaugh-Côté
Peterborough