Re: Private? Public? or something in between?
From: Elizabeth Stevenson (tamgoddesshome.com)
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 17:38:01 -0600 (MDT)
This is a big issue, and I'm sorry I can't write more today, but here are a
few points that have been left out so far.

If people are on your property, and they are doing inherently dangerous
things, like skateboarding on steps, you can be sued if they hurt
themselves. I would draw a very sharp line on that sort of activity and
stick to it. It seems to work for us to take the direct approach and tell
each offender that that activity is forbidden. We have a rule about no bikes
going through our inside paths, and it is generally followed as long as kids
know we enforce it.

We have an alley that runs through the middle of our property, and people
use it. If you say hello and make eye contact, or just eye contact, on a
regular basis, people get the sense that it is okay to walk through, but it
is territory well looked after.

Lock up bikes at night. This is a no-brainer.

We have signs saying "welcome to SSPCH, please walk your bike". Territory
marker and welcome. Two birds...Also, we have gates on two parts of the
alley which are not locked, but slow riders down. It's very effective.

ALWAYS say hello to people who are on your property and ask if you can help
them find someone. Often, they are looking for a particular house, but if
they are lookyloos, you can gently tell them at that time that they need to
call and make an appointment for a tour. Often, when we were new, they were
just people who were wondering what it was. It's easy enough to give a quick
explanation.

After nearly eight years, we have a pretty good relationship with the
neighbors. It takes time, and we haven't been without problems.
--
Liz Stevenson
Southside Park Cohousing
Sacramento, California

tamgoddess [at] home.com
http://members.home.net/southsideparkcohousing
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