[A] Special Committee of the Foggy Bottom Association was formed and began meeting in March of 2011. That committee’s mandate was to determine what if any interest there was for an “Aging In Place” Village in the Foggy Bottom/West End community. The committee was also asked to research and recommend a business model for such a proposed Village, and to select a permanent Board of Directors for said project.
That Committee, responding to overwhelming neighborhood interest, has formed a permanent Board of Directors. I have been named as a member of this board and look forward to the future challenges this project presents. The board’s initial intent will be at working to push forward this new “Aging In Place” Village project. Modeled after 16 other successful Villages in the Metro area, the new Foggy Bottom/West End Village is a nonprofit membership organization. The Village concept relies on neighborhood volunteers to help provide essential services such as transportation, minor home repairs and social activities. Members are being asked to pay a modest annual fee to help offset the projects operating costs.
The Board’s first challenge is to raise $150,000 in startup funds for the nonprofit Village by the end of the year. Recruiting members and volunteers will also be priorities.
A recent survey of residents in 60 condos, apartments, and co-ops, and of 170 single-family homes showed a majority of respondents are eager to participate in a Village located in the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods. More than 100 residents attended an information meeting hosted by the Foggy Bottom Association earlier this year.