Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Variations on low cost housing

[Ann Zabaldo (ann.zabaldo]

Hello all!

I've been following the various threads on affordability and I'm
fascinated by the questions and suggestions.

So I have a suggestion!

This is a conversation that needs a very wide airing and some
intensive "debate."

I STRONGLY ... nay, URGENTLY ... suggest you attend the upcoming
cohousing conference in Waltham MA June 12-15.  There are at least
FOUR workshops dealing w/ affordability including one by Brad Gunkel
on "Affordable Rental Cohousing."  (Hi Brad!)

And then there are FIVE workshops dealing w/ "Green &  Sustainable"
design which can result in lower maintenance costs and energy bills.

Check out the conference offerings on    www.cohousing.org

Come to the conference!

Ann Z.

-- 
Ann Zabaldo
Takoma Village Cohousing
Washington, DC
Principal, Cohousing Collaborative, LLC
McLean, VA
Voice 703-663-3911
Fax 202-291-8594
www.cohousingcollaborative.com


On Mon, May 19, 2008 at 5:36 PM, Rod Lambert
<rod [at] ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us> wrote:
>
> Getting it Built affordably,
>
> A suggestion for a different approach:
>
>
>
> The group avails itself of the manager's buying power/discounts at local
> suppliers without markup. It also benefits from their ability to get
> quality subtrades when needed and at good prices. The group also can
> exercise the option of sweat equity which can be a major affordability
> strategy, although as already observed, major involvement works better
> with those who have some building experience. Three of the houses here
> were built by owners with many others having substantial inputs
> including two strawbale homes.
> And this approach still allowed others to ask for virtual turnkey homes
> – "call me when its done".
>
>
> Marganne wrote:
>
>
> (I'm really not trying to pick a fight here... REALLY. I'm trying to
> find a way for people like myself to gain the advantages of living in
> community...or understand the reason why we can't.)
>
> Cheers!
> Marganne>>
> (Running away and ducking down)