In mid-September NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, in partnership with NYC Council Member Crystal Hudson, chair of the Aging Committee, introduced the Expanding Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) Act, Introduction 1022-A. Currently, there are only 37 recognized NORCs in New York City, and the process to establish them is slow and complex. The bill aims to streamline the process and provide support for more communities.
The bill was signed into law by Mayor Adams on December 18, which means that the Commissioner of the Department for the Aging is required to conduct a three-year study on NORCs and Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (N-NORCs) in the city. The study would identify potential NORCs and N-NORCs, assess the needs of older adults, evaluate necessary improvements, and collect data on demographic trends and health outcomes. Within two years of completing the study, the Commissioner would be required to develop and implement a plan to support aging in place within these communities.
“The 37 NORCS serve only a fraction of the 1.5 million older adults in our city. … By removing barriers tied to nonprofit infrastructure, and ensuring that the City is doing comprehensive studies and planning — this legislation will help identify and support at least twenty new NORC communities and thousands of older adults. I’m grateful for Chair Hudson’s leadership and partnership in making this possible,” said Gutiérrez.
The Greenline 