Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: how we use the common house

[Karen Carlson (kcarlson2]

Our community (Arboretum Cohousing Community, Madison WI) has a 3-person 
committee called CHECC (Common House Coordinating Committee) that is charged 
with saying "yes" to as many uses members want. CHECC members get an email 
every time something is added to our on-line calendar.  CHECC recommends that 
when a member wants a private event on a weekend, that she alerts the community 
via email so people have a heads up.  Private events have to tolerate 
walk-throughs. We often query the person who scheduled (When does event end?  
How many expected? Are Arbco members invited?)  We don't charge for any events 
but do allow free will donations to various events.  (Our CPA said no rent or 
we'd be open to taxes.)  CHECC also put together a list of guiding principles 
that, for example, put community interests before other interests. We were 
surprised how many entities want to use our space and we don't want to just be 
a free venue for those who want to make money.  Most groups will donate ($50 
maybe) as a thank you.  This we encourage.

Now in our 5th year, CHECC (I"m on it so am not unbiased) works pretty well.  
We've kept stats on our common space use but I've forgotten where they are.  I 
know we have hundreds events per year.  Our largest room can sit 100 easily for 
a meal, more for an audience.  Our neighborhood association says more people 
attend if they meet here.  

Furniture, deep cleaning, decisions about space and objects are monitored by 
the Indoors Committee.  We have a lot of furniture now so keep an eye on 
furniture creep.

It's unusual for non-residents (unless overnight guests) to be in the commons 
without a host as someone has to open the security doors at the street level.  
(These are city code.)

Karen C.


On Aug 28, 2013, at 11:45 AM, Lynn Nadeau / Maraiah wrote:

> 
> Yup, yup, and yup! RoseWind Cohousing, Port Townsend WA. 
> We've had our common house 13 years now and have evolved policies 
> (articulated by our Common House Operations committee) that handle much of 
> this stuff.