Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Mixed use cohousing / site selection

[Rob Sandelin (robsan]

Patrick Bennett  asked:
Maybe the real question is, what are the criteria for selecting a site?

The criteria for a site is something the group will program together 
based upon several factors which will rely on the vision statement or 
goals statement of the group.  For example, if an integrated 
eco-village is the groups cohousing vision then a site which can be 
zoned for both residential and commercial is important.  Define your 
goals well and the site characteristics will be easier to define.

Some factors to consider in choosing a site are:
* Location relative to work/play/services  to current membership
(This  is where  disputes can break out - a site that is perfect for 
one member can be awful for another based on where you work.  )
* Zoning and rezoning potential
(Zoning can be changed in some places, sometimes it can't.  A 
professional planner knows the difference. If you have to rezone, get 
good advise from someone who know the game in your area.  )
* Infrastructure availability
(Water is often key- if no sewers then soils for drainfields are also key)
* Cost of acquisition and development
(A site that is cheap to acquire can be very expensive to develop. You 
need some expertise to know what questions to ask)
* Esthetic and safety/health concerns.
(Powerlines, freeways, factories, other undesirable neighbors.  
Remember you are going to have to convince several other families to 
live here as the project rolls onward.  A site that is unattractive can 
be very hard to sell.)
* Topography and orientation
(Wind and Sun affect heating and cooling costs. A site with lots of 
elevation might mean stairs are needed, which affects the elderly)
* Environmental
(wetlands - which are defined by plant groupings - not water levels- 
can impact what you can do.  Soils and geology can impact what you can do. )

One general observation about site acquisition is to  be prepared when 
you acquire a site to have members drop out.  This seems to be common.  
When a site is optioned, real money and commitment is made, and real 
risk.  This will separate out those who can't or won't take the 
commitment and risk and many groups have had folks drop out at this 
point, or just before the signing of the papers, so be prepared for 
this emotionally.  Its OK for this to happen, its normal, and the group 
will survive it, but it does add an extra tension at a tense time.

Rob Sandelin
Sharingwood