AID Pilot Program: Upper West Side

The Upper West Side Aging Improvement District was launched in June 2010 and is sponsored by Councilwoman Gale Brewer. The Upper West Side has one of the greatest concentrations of non-profit organizations, Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), cultural institutions and businesses in the city. An advisory group leading the project includes leaders from these along with directors of the neighborhood's largest senior service providers.

The initiative began with 20 community consultations with older adults in English and Spanish in a wide range of settings from religious institutions to senior centers to an assisted living facility. The key findings from the consultations include the areas of parks, plazas and public spaces, businesses, cultural institutions, and creating supportive living environments. The findings were shared at a community event on April 5, 2011. Solutions are currently being implemented based on these findings.