Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Affordable Cohousing

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Dec 28, 2012, at 8:55 AM, Gloria Hoffman <hoffman1 [at] comcast.net> wrote:

> I am part of a group in Philadelphia, which is running up against
> affordability as we try to plan a new community here.  It would be very
> helpful to us to find out about affordable housing initiatives and
> information from Coho/US and other cohousing developments.

There is a lot of discussion on this in the archives.

One question is the definition you are using for "affordable". This varies from 
location to location and from one person to the next. Sometimes it means "low 
cost" and sometimes it means "average market rate in the area." And sometimes 
"80% or less of the average market rate in the area." There are many other 
formulas as well.

Speaking in price ranges will produce a clearer discussion.

Also clear goals help. Are you trying to have prices as low as possible so 
people can move in and upgrade finishes or even completer a bathroom later? Or 
are you trying to reduce over all costs? 

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org