What’s the Buzz?

The Resident Advisory Council (soon to be Resident Council Board) recently met, and we took the opportunity to ask them a few questions about the upcoming ownership transition to Boulder Housing Partners (BHP). There were three people from BHP in attendance as well, and they responded directly to some of the shared comments. This is an overview of the conversation.

We started by asking what the Council members are hearing from other residents (that is a big part of their role, to listen and share all Golden West residents’ comments and concerns). 

Council members said that many residents felt that the last few years had been challenging, and there is a sense of excitement for the change. The Council commented that people are also noticing how often BHP staff are coming to spend time in the community and learn more about Golden West and the people who live there. One council member who previously lived in a BHP community said she had been very pleased with her experience. 

The Council also shared some priorities for change once the transition is complete.

They are hoping for a greater sense of security, which they say could come in part with improved communication and better enforcement of community policies. The BHP team ensured the group that the screening criteria of BHP is very rigorous, which was met with positive remarks from the group.

The Council noted that residents once knew all their neighbors, but that’s not the case today. Their goal is to engage more with new residents and revive activities, like a welcoming committee and Meet and Greet, which help foster connections from the beginning. They emphasized that a sense of community and connection is important to many who live at Golden West.

There was also a discussion about daily checks for residents, a way to ensure they are all doing okay. BHP said they are considering a buddy system to help people support each other. They are also talking about ways to use the entry cards that all residents use to come and go.

They wrapped the discussion on an up note, talking about some of the benefits they’re enjoying from the two years of construction. The upgrades are greatly appreciated, including the new windows, upgraded appliances and counter tops. They also like many of the improved shared spaces (i.e., the Aspen room kitchen, the dining room, etc.).

The group was overall optimistic about what’s ahead. They said the time is right for eligible seniors to pay the community a visit, check it out, come by – they won’t be sorry they did.