EAST LONGMEADOW — Funding for a home projects program that would allow older people to age in place was rejected by the Community Preservation Committee, to the disappointment of many, including members of the committee itself.

Council on Aging Director Erin Koebler proposed the East Longmeadow Residential Home Modification Program at the Community Preservation Committee’s Jan. 3 meeting. Grants of up to $5,000 per applicant could be used for adaptations to make housing more accessible. Projects could range from replacing doorknobs with pull handles to installing a ramp. The funding could also be used for home repairs needed to keep the living space safe.

Koebler said the program would have benefited older people with low income, as the program would be available to residents with an income of 80% or less of the state Department of Housing and Urban Development median income limits. The program was designed to require a resident match of 0-10%, depending on income level.

Koebler, who oversaw a similar program through the Longmeadow Council and Aging, said the funding would “make housing affordable” for residents who otherwise could not pay for the repairs or upgrades and stay in their homes. She said the high school funding vote passed and “now it’s time” to do something for the town’s older population.

In the application, Koebler said the program had the backing of Town Manager Tom Christensen, the Council on Aging director of community services and the building inspector.

Community Preservation Committee Chair Anthony Zampiceni said that the program is not eligible for community preservation funding. He said the repairs are considered maintenance and therefore not eligible. Meanwhile, most homes in town are market rate, and thus outside the affordable housing portion of community preservation projects.

Zampiceni expressed frustration, saying the state encourages affordable housing, but is “clamping down” on what projects community preservation committees approve. Community Preservation Committee member William Fonseca said the amount of funding has dramatically decreased, as well. Where the state used to match 80% of the funding, he said it now matches 20%.

Zampiceni did say that there are services available for the repairs and the modification installation. Koebler asked the committee to share any resources they know of for such projects so the Council on Aging can help residents. Fonseca said he would reach out to state Sen. Jake Oliveira’s office, which might know of funding opportunities.