Cohousing-L Mailing List: Cohousing and Conference Center

[Sue Pniewski (SPniewski]

Hello all-
We are at this time considering a joint commercial/cohousing venture similar
to several that have been done before.  We are looking to pick up about 500
acres in North Florida near Jacksonville.  On this property we would place a
small cohousing development, perhaps 10-15 homes, and a conference/learning
center, hopefully with a summer camp that is sorely needed in this area.  My
question is whether anybody has any adivce on the set up of the
corporation(s) as far as homeowners, and business, and how does that balance
with the 501(c)(3) status if we are a ecological learning center?  It seems
like it could be a tangled web if we live and do business at the same place
because we would derive benefit from the business in terms of living area,
while hopefully the learning center would be non profit so non taxable.
Would the homeowners also be shareholders in the business, and if so, would
that be a part of the equity ownership stake and pass with the property?  I
can see how this could become bogged down in details quickly, but it also
seems a natural fit to have a community that could share values as an
educational endeavor, or just through passive education via retreat wekends
and the conference center.  I keep reading that people become frustrated
when community members are also paid to do work within the community, and
that that has caused much conflict, but it seems also a great fit to be able
to work in your home neighborhood, what better situation could there be that
a 5 minute walking commute?  Any input would be SO helpful!  Thanks!


-------------------------------------
Susan Pniewski, Esq.
General Counsel
Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville
904.798.2712  x202

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