Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Choosing lots in an equitable and caring manner!

[Fred H. Olson (fholson]

Ruth Hirsch HeidiNYS [at] aol.com
is the author of the message below but due to a problem it was posted
by the Fred the list manager: owner-cohousing-L [at] cohousing.org
--------------------  FORWARDED MESSAGE FOLLOWS --------------------

Dear Dee & Friends!

First off, we made plenty of mistakes [not specifically re: site choice] and 
are still ok [at Cantines Island Co-Ho, in very beautiful Saugerties, NY, 
near Woodstock!!].

Here is what we did re: choice:  During a lonnnng weekend workshop, one of a 
series we did,  for community building and business, we arranged  ourselves 
[our bodies!] in  more or less, the configuration of our houses on the 
property [or how they would, some years down the road be arr'd.]  And saw how 
that looked and felt.  We each had 3 choices, 3 'first' choices.  and so 
configured and re-configured ourselves in those spots.  and in that process, 
some folks choices got changed.  In the end, most everyone ended up with 
their first chice, for many, any of the three was a 'first choice'..... maybe 
I have exceptionally great neighbors.  We did not have friction regarding 
this important decision.   In fairness, while our architect ......... is not 
someone to recommend overall,  this process was recommended by his life 
partner, who gave a lot of herself during this entire development process.

So, you may want to try it!!  Worked for us!!  And now, we invite two 
additonal households!  IF interested:  write: HeidiNYS@AOL/ phone: 
914-246-8601.



On  5 Apr 1999 "Dee Dishon" <ddishon [at] erols.com> wrote:

<<Cohousing Folks:
    Blueberry Hill Cohousing in northern VA (DC area) is running into some
difficulty with choosing lots. We have two basic home designs to go on 19
lots on a very hilly 8 acres. There is a list of who joined when, so all 19
families know in what order they will be choosing. Rather than just going
down the line and having each family pick first choice, second, etc., I have
this radical idea that we might all be able to get something we would like
and could live with if we have a different way of choosing sites. Perhaps a
list of what criteria each family would like in a lot and then figuring out
which lots could work for that family. Does this seem possible or would any
of you advise just going in chronological order as we had planned or what
other ideas you have. Your prompt reply to this request would be much
appreciated!!
    Concerned with making our first difficult choice in a caring, supportive
cohousing manner,
    Dee Dishon
>>