Re: size of lots
From: Buzz Burrell (72253.2101compuserve.com)
Date: Fri, 26 May 95 12:23 CDT
Steve's community was considering 1/4 acre lots and is now thinking of 1/3 acres
sizes, and wanted feedback from what other people are doing.

I think cohousing works in a huge variety of situations (see "Creating Community
Anywhere"), but since you did not state where you are and what your situation
is, a meaningfull answere will not be forthcoming.  Every situation is unique
and asks for a unique solution.  I think trying to take results from one
community into another does not work as well as we think, unless the entire
situation is understood in context.

Although everybody else is probably going to give the opposite response, IMHO,
lot size is a factor but not a determining one in creating community.  For
example, Geneva is going to have lot sizes of 35 acres!!  But without knowing
our situation, I'm not sure how much help that will be to you.

More important, at least from a physical structure standpoint, is:

1. The *clustering* of houses on the lots
2. The design of the visual, pedestrian, automobile, and other interactive
patterns
3. The degree of commitment to create and use common facilities

Most communities with 40 acres would put 20 sites on 3-4 acres and kick the rest
out into open space.  However, you can do anything you want, but pay close
attention to the above 3 factors.  That's what we are doing. 

Buzz Burrell
Boulder
Geneva Community

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