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To the Editor:

More senior homeowners in Somerville have options to cope with property taxes, thanks to the Board of Aldermen, and Mayor Curtatone, with the leadership of Alderman Mark Niedergang.

The aldermen raised income and asset limits, enabling more people to qualify for all the programs that benefit seniors – elderly exemptions, property tax deferral, and senior work off.

Many qualifying seniors in Somerville struggle with limited income and increasing expenses, including property taxes, but don’t even know about these solutions.

Property Tax Deferral allows homeowners 65 and older to defer all or part of their property taxes until their death or the sale of their home. This program is an alternative to the more well known reverse mortgages. The aldermen raised the income eligibility to $56,000 or less, making the program accessible to more people.

Currently, no Somerville seniors are using this program. By contrast, some nearby communities have many seniors deferring their incomes.

I look forward to seeing more community outreach and education on these property tax relief options. Each of us can help by spreading the word to our neighbors.   If you would like a brochure about these options, please call my office, 617-722-1578.

Somerville’s vibrancy and growth is the envy of many other communities. It’s great that older residents have more options to age in place in the homes of their choice.

— Sen. Pat Jehlen