Senior housing at the mall?

To the editor:

With Moyle's recent announcement to acquire the Copper Country Mall, there might be an opportunity to create a community-like environment that is conducive to our increasing number of senior citizens needing affordable housing and convenient shopping.

Could affordable and handicapped-designed apartments be incorporated within the mall?

One would presume that Moyle has some basic plans for the mall. Might these plans be augmented with two or more separated "senior neighborhoods" among those empty stores?

The basic neighborhood would likely have a "buzz thru" secured entrance into a lobby or common area from which a visitor would then move onto the individual apartments.

The apartments should have one bedroom and a day bedroom to handle one overnight guest. Two full bedrooms could be an option.

The apartments should be convenient to wheelchairs and scooters. Examples of convenience would be having 3-foot wide doors, accessible sinks and practical kitchen cabinets.

Simple-to-use versus push-button programming appliances would be appreciated, as would surge protector outlets (not power strips) that at least reduce voltage spikes which can wreck the electronic circuitry that's so prevalent in devices these days.

At a minimum, the apartments and neighborhoods need to be sound-proofed sufficiently through interior foam placement and/or double-walls to have quietness within.

Though I am by no means familiar with all the building codes required to being fully handicapped accessible, I do think the bathroom would have to have a walk-in tub or a wheel chair shower stall that allows for the transfer of a person to a bench within the shower stall.

Having a bathroom door that opens outward in case the handicapped individual falls against the door would be another thought, too.

I think two benefits are presented to Moyle. First would be that of a relatively stable cash flow from the affordable leasing of perhaps 30-plus units. Second, family members and friends will be visiting the neighborhoods.

One can see the advantages to businesses wanting to come into the mall. A new coffee shop or restaurant, a branch pharmacy, physical therapy center or a small, basic grocery store would be possibilities.

I believe security issues could be reasonably dealt with through a physical presence and monitors.

Also, an option for cars will likely be needed within either part of the old K-mart being used and/or having garages near the neighborhoods.

This possibility is at least an entertaining thought.

Jay Fedorocko

Chassell