(05/12/08) THE BRONX ? Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez is set to introduce legislation this week that would seek to train public housing residents as certified senior home aides for seniors.

The measure would train and employ residents to take care of seniors who live in public housing complexes. The move comes as the city?s senior housing population is expected to boom in the decades to come.

The plan has been met with appreciation by many senior residents, who would rather stay in their homes and not move to an outside facility.

?They don?t want to go someplace where they have to listen to someone telling them what to do,? says resident Victor Irizarry.

In addition to the benefit of help for the elderly residents, Velazquez hopes her plan will provide an economic shot in the arm with the creation of new jobs.

If all goes well, the pilot program could begin next year.

News release on program