Cohousing-L Mailing List: uses of common land

[Robert Wiener (rwiener]

This is really a question for those in cohousing communities that own
large pieces of land, large enough so that there are acres of common
land and private yard space abutts common land that is not specifically
designated a playground, garden, etc.

We are members of Two Echo Cohousing in Brunswick, ME.  Our community is
situated on approx. 90 acres of land.  We have used the lot development
model and have custom designed homes (primarily single family) on lots
approx. 50'-60' wide and 110' deep.  Every household's lot is their
private yard space.  Most of the lots abut undesignated common land to
the back.

We have been grappling with the issue of how the common land just
beyond  private yards should be considered and used.  As our lot
boundaries and yard sizes are self-imposed (we could have had two acres
apiece), the idea that smaller personal and private space as a design
function that contributes to community building seems hard to maintain.

If anyone out there in the great coho beyond has any words of wisdom for
our group, stories to tell, thoughts about cohousing, ideas about
individual vs. community, please send them along.

Thanks
Katie Clark
Two Echo
Brunswick Maine