Anne Arundel County (Map, News) - Grandpa and Grandma may soon get a break.

More affordable housing may come to Anne Arundel County if two measures before the County Council see the light of day.

One offers tax relief and another allows more assisted-living facilities to be built.

County Executive John Leopold introduced the tax relief measure that would give an extra property tax break for seniors age 70 or older who have lived in their homes for at least a decade.

The measure would save seniors an average of $30 per year, said county spokeswoman Rhonda Wardlaw.

“It’s not a huge break, but for a senior on a fixed income it is a prescription or food for a week,” said Alan Friedman, director of government relations for the county.

Leopold wanted to help offset the rising costs of property taxes, Friedman said.

County Council Member Ed Reilly proposed the other bill, which would provide the zoning infrastructure to allow more assisted-living facilities to be built.

Ginger Cove, one of the only assisted-living facilities in the county, costs between $2,580 and $3,689 per month.

The waterfront residential facility in Annapolis offers nurse support and general assistance for its residents, said Betty Ann Bunnemeyer, director of marketing for Ginger Cove.

The county needs more facilities like Ginger Cove, which does not force seniors to move constantly because of health care issues, Friedman said.

“As the population gets older, it’s important that we keep pace with these types of facilities to make sure that services are available to the elderly,” said Ron Dillon, a council member who said he plans to vote for the measure.

“The bill would allow more assisted living facilities to be built, which means more competition,” Dillon said.

QUICK FACTS

» County population of those 65 and older: 52,386

» Seniors living below the poverty line: 2,492

» Median priced county home in the county: $329,500

Source: 2005 Census Bureau

lgreenback@baltimoreexaminer.com