Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Definition of Cohousing - Retrofit

[Maggie Dutton (mdutton]

Hi Kevin....thanks for the input.  We have thought about retrofitting a
neighbourhood but this one does not lend itself to cohousing physically.
The house is on an inside curve and the houses on either side have garages
extending into the street blocking connection with the neighboring houses.
Across the street is a lovely park stretching several blocks but making for
fewer neighbours altogether.  We can't interact with the neighbours behind
because of the large building (we are using it as our "community meeting
room" see www.thehomesproject.shawbiz.ca/photos.htm  ) in our back yard
which blocks access.  We are just renting this bungalow with its illegal
basement suite and are finding it difficult to meet everyone's needs for
consistent, controllable heat, privacy, and quiet.
Maggie Dutton,
H.O.M.E.S. Housing Ourselves Made Easy Society,
Fort McMurray, AB. Canada...where we finally have some good weather along
with lots of mosquitoes.


Kevin said:
>Are you planning on incubating a retrofit cohousing community around the
large house?  Is this house on a block or in an area that could add houses
>over time?  Rental areas are best for retrofit but, given time and
investors, can be done anywhere.  Some areas can add granny flat apartments
or >have the possibility of rezoning to higher density.  Just buying/renting
houses on the block will help build community and, with enough time and
>determination could grow to be another N Street.  And the existing large
house should gain equity over time that would allow leverage to >buy/lease
other houses too.  Just think in 30 year timelines



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