'No' votes on senior towers are puzzling

I don't usually weigh in on Elgin City Council doings, but as a retired home care RN, I had several patients who lived in Central Park Towers (and the two towers next to it) that three city council members recently voted against rehabbing. There was no cost to Elgin, since funding comes through federal and private investors.

My disabled mother lived for 12 years in a basement apartment of my brother's home with no way to get out other than through a caregiver or myself; you have no idea how confining that is. The seniors and other residents of the three tower buildings have access to mass transit everyday. Because they are close enough to the Salvation Army, they can get Meals on Wheels. The Greater Elgin Senior Center is close to the three Towers as are half a dozen restaurants in downtown Elgin. The Metra train is even closer. All this adds up to quality of life choices, choices we all take for granted, unless you don't drive or can't afford a car.

One city council member suggested relocating the senior tower in open space outside of town. How about the need for bus service? I'm sure most of us do not understand what seniors have to cope with. Mobility, visual, hearing, and other disabilities prevent them from doing lots of things.

There was no added cost to the taxpayers of Elgin involved, since the federal funds were appropriated for an existing facility. Plus, we all would pay the price when a senior facility in our town does not get improved. I'm sure improvements and updates will add to the appearance of the current building.

Discrimination against older, poorer people, of any ethnicity, is not right. Why would three vote "no"?

Sandra Kaptain

Elgin