Cohousing-L Mailing List: home-based offices as safety risk to children

[Shelly DeMeo (shelldemeo]

Hello--

Our group is grappling with the decision of whether or not to allow home-based 
businesses.  There are two very distinct points of view on this issue.  One 
side (actually only one or two households) wants the cohousing community to be 
a safe, residential community where one doesn't have to worry about strangers 
walking near our children.  The other viewpoint is one of a thriving village, 
where people flow in and out of the community all day.  This side argues that 
it is actually safer this way, because it provides more eyes watching during 
the day, as opposed to an empty community during work hours.

We have many businesses that want to open including yoga studio, art classes, 
home-schoolers, landscape architects, violinists, etc.  The hot button item 
tends to be the therapy offices  Surprise! We have a lot of therapists in this 
community and a few of them would like the option to provide therapy in their 
home.  The opposing households feel this is a distinct threat to the children 
of the community.

I am sure others have struggled with this issue.  Our group would appreciate 
any advice on how to reach consensus on this issue.  Comments on real life 
cohousing offices, safety, and kids would be helpful.  

Thanks.

Shelly DeMeo
Rocky Hill Cohousing