Granny flats a win-win
The editorial in Sunday’s Observer-Reporter concerns “granny flats” as an alternative form of housing for elderly and/or disabled family members who do not need a nursing home but cannot be safe by themselves. Peters Township Council is now wrestling with the issue.
One problem is what to do with the structure when the need for it no longer exists. Having secondary permanent residences on half-acre lots would lower all surrounding property values. I suggest that council consider allowing small portable units, as found in trailer parks, and that they be removed when the need ceases.
Permanent underground utilities connecting the permanent and temporary residences would pose no additional load on our utilities than adding onto an existing dwelling. When the need is gone, only a flush access door would remain the grass. Such a connection might be considered an asset for the property.
As the editorial clearly stated, the need for elderly housing is going to rise. This increase will be a national as well as a family burden. For every family for which a granny flat is a win-win situation, it is also a win-win for all the taxpayers who subsidize public housing.
David L. Wallach
McMurray