Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Fwd: the failure of cohousing in the united states

[Carol Burrell (Logomanc]

Thank yous to Ann (and Dan) for addressing one of the points that Mr.
Stambler brought up. Whatever one thinks of his other comments or of his
reasons for being so provocative in the communities he joins, the issue of
affordable cohousing is a real concern. Or, at least, it's a  concern to
me, as it's the reason I feel I'm barred from that way of life. That the
resale values climb nicely from the initial investment is good news for
the community, bad news for little ol' me and those like me.

I explored the Eastern Village website. I'll admit I was disappointed to
see that it appears to be apartment-style condos; I'd be sad to give up my
garden for an apartment, but finding the right community could
counterbalance dreams of living around a verdant village square. The real
discouragement is that even the least expensive flat (too small for a
growing family?) costs $75K more than my loft-style townhouse condo (which
has front and back gardens and neighbours gathered, well, around the
asphalt parking lot) in a comparable city. (In fact, when there was at one
point a turnover of condos in the development, I mused on trying to rush
together a cohousing group to snap them all up and convert the
neighbourhood... but, of course, a cohousing community can't be created in
a wild rush.)

When I first became interested in cohousing, I had visions of straw bale
and cob cottages and sweat equity and housing costs that undercut the
crazily rising real estate prices of the "ordinary" world. So far I see
few options that allow for a diversity of class background and life
experience; mostly I've seen gatherings of people financially comfortable
enough to live in any community they choose. (I may have grown up kinda
sorta upper middle class, but after years of medical bills, and outsourced
job, and... well, you know how it goes.)

My idealism has gotten the better of me, and I know I've let early
discouragements get in the way of exploring further -- can the list guide
me onward from here?

What other communities offer cohousing that is lower cost than the homes
in their surrounding neighbourhoods, rather than higher cost? Which
communities are working toward making home- and community-ownership less
onerous than remaining in the usual lifestyle? Are there any websites or
resources dedicated specifically to this aspect?

Thanks to all.

Carol.

Ann Zabaldo said:
> Thanks Raines for delving into this.  Mr. Stambler has certainly gotten
> what
> he wanted -- we're using our time to discuss his agenda.  Another form of
> spam?
>
> Anyway...I don't trust anyone who doesn't capitalize their "I's" -- :-)
>
> BTW -- Eastern Village has seven moderately priced dwelling units.  Only
> one
> left!
>
> Onward!
>
> Ann Zabaldo
> Takoma Village


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