Why are developers ignoring the needs of the biggest batch of potential buyers in this country's history, the baby boomers? We now have family-style homes too large to maintain comfortably, and our kids are grown.

Where are the downtown condos, all on one floor, designed with seniors in mind?

We were very disappointed with the new multiple-story condos with stairs we no longer can or want to walk.

People young enough to walk those stairs, have or will have kids, but city streets aren't the right playground for children of any age. Do we really want squealing graffiti generators downtown?

Or would we rather have quiet seniors who appreciate the convenience of a compact environment, who eat out a lot and socialize at the sidewalk restaurants and frequent the Center for the Arts, Escondido, movie complex, small art galleries and special downtown events?

Kids belong in our homes with yards and bicycle-riding streets. But we seniors have no place convenient to go.

We need two baths and two or three bedrooms, all on one floor within one to two blocks of downtown, lots of storage, a laundry space and one walk-in closet, please. Don't want any steps, but an elevator that will accommodate a scooter is fine.

When we can no longer drive, we'd love to be able to use a scooter to transit a 10-12 block radius or get to the transit center, which now connects with Amtrak and the airport by rail. Imagine that! Escondido's downtown would be ideal for still-active baby boomers who don't necessarily want to fight freeway traffic. What a kick it would be to sit on a balcony and watch the car show below, or walk to the Farmer's Market.

We don't want high-end condos that price us out of the market with marble counters, terrazzo floors, vaulted ceilings we have to waste energy to heat, and palatial baths. We want to own our homes, and we aren't ready for matchbox assisted living.

But we do want wide doorways and restrooms that will accommodate a walker, have grab bars, handicapped toilets, and shower seats.

There must be big closets and storage space for holiday decorations, etc. We need a dining area that can expand into the living room and a cocktail/breakfast bar. We need at least two parking spaces. Shared common rooms are needed for family get-togethers, and don't forget workout-machine space.

Balconies or a central courtyard with trees would be a bonus. Add a gas fireplace with a notch over it for a large flat-screen TV, and I'll think I'm in heaven. Sell that for $300,000 or under, and I'll be the first in line to buy.

Developers and City Council, are you listening? Anyone else think this is a good idea? If you don't let City Council and developers know what you want and need, we may continue to see the birth of a ghetto and be stuck in our monster-maintenance homes.

Imagine yourself able to walk a block for morning coffee with friends, a night at the theater without fighting for parking. Imagine the convenience and fun. Baby boomers, speak up!

Barbara T. Saad is an Escondido resident.