Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Affordable cohousing

[Carol Burrell (Logomanc]

Eno Commons, by the way, looks really quite lovely.

On creating community, and affordability:

I came into the concept of cohousing from the direction of eco-building
and creating housing that is affordable _not_ because it is subsidied but
because of how the homes are built. Smaller houses, alternative
construction materials, community spaces, the usual; $50K-$100K houses. My
expectation of what I'd find when I looked into nascent cohousing groups
was skewed in that idealised "cob cottage" direction. Discovering a slice
of the reality (I kept running across $300-$500K homes, even in the
eco-villages) knocked the stars out of my eyes. I regret letting myself
get so discouraged before continuing to explore both existing and planned
communities.

I've lived places where the neighbours all watch out for one another,
places that have community associations (and the dreaded Home Owners
Association); I've found it difficult, though, to draw people into a
cohousing lifestyle who didn't move where they are with the intention of
becoming such a community. However, I've not read "Superbia!" and am not
familiar with its approach.

On apartment dwelling:

With apologies to those who love apartment living, the thought of moving
back into an apartment block is a downer. But, even as I write this, I
think: perhaps it wouldn't be "living in a box in another box separated
from the earth." On the negative side, I envision something parked on
concrete in urban sprawl. However, many a year ago I lived in a dorm that
embraced a courtyard overlooking a gorge and waterfall, and I loved every
aspect -- living rooms and dining hall and kitchens and laundromat, group
activities, supportive community, painting murals on the walls. Most dorm
members spent much of their time in the common areas, for everything from
quiet study to naps to television to tea time.

When I had more financial reserves then nowadays, I looked into several
old gothic churches in various states, with a mind toward renovating them
into the sort of pied-a-terre housing Sharon mentions -- something for
younger people or people whose careers (for example, in the arts) don't
provide the typical middle-class income. And you know, I didn't even think
of it as apartment living in a box in a box....

One excellent thing I'm getting out of this discussion: I'm remembering
that I had a dream of a more satisfying way of life, before I settled for
staying afloat. Even with limited income, is it still possible to see that
dream fulfilled? Maybe... maybe...

Carol.

Sharon Villines said:
> Also, I would like to see more studio apartments, perhaps in
> conjunction with the commonhouse, or even 'single room occupancy' in
> connection with the commonhouse. Many people do not want or need large
> homes -- even the size of one bedroom apartments. They need a "pied a
> terre". In DC we have lots of people who are in town 4 days a week or
> only for 2 years who could benefit from and contribute to community
> living. As rentals these would also bring income to the community,
> making it more affordable.
>
> And as we have discussed before, this would allow the age group of
> 18-28 greater access to community living.
>

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