Cohousing-L Mailing List: MANUFACTURED HOUSING

[Ann Zabaldo (zabaldo]

Hi all --

I think we covered this option in the flurry of emails about affordability 
recently but not in so much detail.  Happy to see it's resurfaced.   The only 
thing that contemporary manufactured housing has in common w/ its predecessor 
"trailer" or mobile home iterations is ... it comes to the lot on wheels.  
After that ... it's locked down in place generally never to move again.  The 
upper end producers of manufactured housing have green and sustainable options 
plus you can negotiate to "build to specs."

This is a fabulous option if you live in an area in which the zoning laws will 
allow this type of housing.  If not allowed, it would be a lot of work to 
change the zoning laws to allow it.  I can already hear the neighbors crying 
about property values.  So ... look where this type of housing is allowed.  
That will be safest and easiest.  Don't be surprised if it's many miles from an 
urban area but if location is not an issue ... this is a very solid option for 
affordable housing.

Best --

Ann Zabaldo
Takoma Village Cohousing
Washington, DC
Principal, Cohousing Collaborative, LLC
Falls Church VA
703-688-2646

On Sep 21, 2013, at 11:05 AM, Sharon Villines wrote:

> 
> 
> On Sep 21, 2013, at 12:54 AM, John Leet <jwleet [at] aol.com> wrote:
> 
>> Here is a link to an insightful article I found in Utne reader, reprinted 
>> from Pacific Standard Magazine: 
> 
> http://www.psmag.com/health/how-the-trailer-park-could-save-us-all-55137/
> 
> I hope people will click through and read this article. It's a nice piece of 
> journalism and a thorough history and analysis of manufactured homes, which 
> is what most "trailer parks" are. They are also wonderful communities as the 
> article discusses. A number of nice profiles of residents. Links to studies, 
> information, and other journals. Anyone who is interested in senior cohousing 
> should read this.
>