SUN CITY – It’s time for all Sun City residents to stand up and be counted.
Actually, none of you will have to literally stand up. But next month, you will be required to fill out a one-page, federally-required census form and return it promptly.
According to the 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) Sun City is required to verify that at least 80 percent of the community’s approximately 5,480 housing units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older. If the number of people aged 55-plus falls below the 80 percent threshold, the community could lose its age-restricted status. If that happens, the loss would be permanent.
HOPA was enacted in December, 1995. It amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. The consolidated act is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on December 28, 1995. The Act eliminated the requirement that qualified housing for persons age 55 or older have “significant facilities and services” designed for the elderly. Most 55-plus communities, however, provide such facilities and activities.
According to Lauren Lee, Sun City executive director, residents will receive a one-page census form on or about June 22. It needs to be filled out and returned to designated places in Prairie or Meadow View Lodges by July 31. The form will request basic identifying data on each resident, including name, address, age, and information on whether the respondent is an owner, occupant, or renter. You will also be asked to provide proof of age through submission of a copy of a driver’s license or birth certificate.
“We need the help of all residents on this, so we can obtain at least 80% participation,” said Lee. “This is required of all communities like ours after the build-out of homes is complete. If this is successful, as we believe it will be, we shouldn’t have to do it again.”
“We know that at any given time, some residents are on vacations, some of them lengthy,” Lee said. “Most longer vacations take place in the winter months, so doing this in the summer season should maximize the chance for prompt return of forms.”
Most 55-plus, age-restricted, active adult communities place an age-minimum limit on the residents. In Sun City-Huntley, anyone (including grandchildren) under the age of 19 may reside in a household only for a maximum of 90 days.
