LACK OF SENIOR COMMUNITIES IN KALISPELL Public Comment from Dianne Porter Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Dianne <patriot4ever@centurytel.net>
Sent: Friday, September 5, 2025 12:04 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL LACK OF SENIOR COMMUNITIES IN KALISPELL
Importance: High
I respectfully submit the following for thoughtful consideration by our Mayor and city council members. My letter,
which I submitted to the reporter of the Flathead Beacon regarding the article which is mentioned, expresses my
concern over the lack of planning in the Flathead Valley for senior communities. All seniors do not wish to remain in
their own homes following the death of a loved one which probably leaves the homeowner alone and lonely. This is
especially a problem if the homeowner lives many miles from conveniences without a support group for assistance. If
gated senior communities were an available option, I'm sure many of us active senior would be more than willing to
downsize and accept this type of transition before aging requires assisted living or dementia care facilities.
Please read the following--
"Hi Maggie,
I just read your article on the new Agewise Program being implemented in the valley and while I see this as
advantageous for the aging community,it is still not what all active seniors want. As you pointed out in your article,
Montana's senior citizen population is disproportionately higher than many other states, ranking No.6 overall,with
19.7%of its population considered geriatric,according to 2020 census data which is 5 years old. So,why is it that
Montana is the only state that does not have gated 55+active senior communities where we can enjoy independent
living with others of our generation?
The only senior community in Kalispell is The Woodlands and although it is very nice,it is not an option for me as I am
not ready to downsize to the point where I can or want to live in a `box'. And,considering all the other 4 story boxes
that are being constructed in the Valley,they are rentals with no information as to who the neighbors are or where
the neighbors are from.
Most other states have many active senior communities such as Casa Grande in Southern Arizona,the setting for
Ironwood Village,a gated 55+duplex community with single level homes,a clubhouse,a dog park and more. I had
contacted a local builder several years ago and met with him about putting in a `gated 55+senior community of
duplexes or modular/manufactured homes' but unfortunately he wasn't interested. I would have bought the first
home which would have then placed me closer to all medical,shopping and other conveniences rather than being 20
plus miles from everywhere. And,what happens when I can no longer driver those 20 plus miles?
Montanans want to age and remain independent for as long as possible but we don't want to be housed in a
`box'. Perhaps Terry Homes, Inc.and Edge Development,et al should ask aging Montanans what they want,instead
of just assuming what we want. I'm sure the majority of us active seniors will opt for a senior community such as the
many in Arizona and other states.
This was discussed at the last Living Alone Workshop hosted by Jenn Prunty and many in attendance, but not all,
expressed their desire to remain in their own homes. Yet these homes would need to be modified to promote aging
awareness, known as`Universal Design'. So,the aging homeowner invests money to modify her home but when the
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time comes to sell, perhaps this universal design would not be viewed as acceptable to a potential buyer with a young
family.
A gated 55+senior community would remain as a senior community and with the population continuing to age, I'm
sure it would become a very popular option to living in a 'box' until absolutely necessary.
I would like to talk to you more about this in an effort to accomplish what I have attempted to promote here.
Best regards,
Dianne Porter
Marion, MT
406-854-9495 (landline)"
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dianne Porter
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