Cohousing-L Mailing List: Trailer Park as Community

[Blaise Tobia (tobiabj]

I haven't posted here in awhile, although I continue to read regularly. Two of 
my main concerns within cohousing have long been urban siting and 
affordability, and I know that trailer parks and modular houses have been 
brought up before. But, an article I happened to read in the Philadelphia 
Inquirer on Monday really struck me - in that it described real community in a 
"trailer park" near Philadelphia that has seen a revitalization over the past 
several years, due in part to the economic crisis that has led many to think 
more modestly. I've also had some personal experience in that my sister lives 
in a trailer park in northern NJ that also has a good sense of community. My 
point - if I have one beyond just wanting to share this article - is that we 
shouldn't get too bogged down in the physical and design aspcts of cohousing. 
Building coho trailer parks, slowly converting apartment buildings, organicaly 
changing neighborhoods - these should all be part of the mix.

I don't know how long this link will function, but the article is currently at 
<http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/84368237.html>. If you find the 
link to be inactive, you're welcome to email me (off the list) for a copy.

-- Blaise Tobia

Philadelphia / Pearl Court Co-Garden