That the Director of Planning work with this Council to increase accessible housing.

WHEREAS: Somerville's comprehensive plan, SomerVision 2040, calls for making the city more accessible for all residents and for supporting elders' ability to age in place; and, WHEREAS: Many Somerville residents report difficulty finding accessible housing, and residents have reported being displaced from Somerville due to a lack of accessible housing options; and, WHEREAS: Accessible units, specifically those known as Group 2 accessible housing units, are uncommon in Somerville's housing stock; and, WHEREAS: Housing units that are both deed-restricted affordable and Group 2 accessible are in short supply in Somerville; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Director of the Planning Division work with this Council to identify the best tools, whether an overlay or another method, to increase accessible housing, incentivizing the following: 1. Additional accessible housing units, particularly Group 2 accessible units; 2. Housing units that are both deed-restricted affordable and Group 2 accessible; 3. Wheelchair-accessible ramps and/or elevators in smaller buildings not otherwise required to provide accessible egress; 4. Deaf-accessible fire alarms and other safety measures for residents who require them; 5. Accessibility of the ground story of all housing units; 6. Braille and high-visibility signage and elevator buttons within buildings; 7. Extra-wide door frames throughout buildings, using expandable or offset hinges; and 8. Automated door entrances to buildings where appropriate.