RE: low income housing | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Glen Orcutt (gorcuttprowess.com) | |
Date: Fri, 12 May 95 11:36 CDT |
Buzz Burrell said: >I think we'de better address the affordability issue with more determination and >creativity; it's pivotal, not just for coho, but for the country as a whole. >Coho should be taking the lead and modeling ways that people can again afford to >own their own place. While creating affordable housing within the Cohousing model is a very well-meaning goal, it is not an easy one to accomplish. One of the goals of the Coho model is to have common facilities. Without them, you may have an owner designed neighborhood that is affordable, but you don't have the amenities. Here in Chico, land prices and building costs are some of the lowest in the country. Our land cost averaged only $8,400 per unit. Yet by the time we add infrastructure, common facilities and a home, the base 2 and 3 bedroom homes are $98,000 and $113,000 respectively. These prices however are above what the local redevelopment agency will contribute for low and moderate income families. If we had opted for no common facilities, the 2 and 3 bedroom prices would be $89,000 and $101,000 - more affordable, but less desirable. It is easy to say that cohousing should be taking the lead in this area, but what do you cut to make it happen? Or who do you get the money from to make up the difference? Sacramento was indeed fortunate to have redevelopment money to achieve their goals, however not all municipalities are as far-sighted (not all groups have the energy to battle through the red-tape either). Sweat equity is one approach, however there are problems getting a mortgage with sweat equity. Banks will not usually lend on unfinished homes. Perhaps we can look at finding a way to use the "pre-sold, owner-developer" umbrella to create opportunities for sweat equity and get mortgages. Affordability for low-income is a worthy goal and necessary for some groups. However, affordabilitiy can be in conflict with other aspects of the cohousing model, such as extensive common facilities and being built by contractors. Each particular group must find it's own balance for it's members. Glen Orcutt Valley Oaks Village Chico, CA
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RE: low income housing Buzz Burrell, May 12 1995
- Re: low income housing Karen Frayne, May 12 1995
- RE: low income housing Glen Orcutt, May 12 1995
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