Cohousing-L Mailing List: Small "retrofit" "community"

[MJWB (mjwyogini]

Hello everyone,

     A while ago I asked people how to proceed if trying to "retrofit" an 
existing 4 unit complex,
 into Cohousing or a Coop, and I had many helpful responses, especially from 
Jerome Garciano of The Partnerships for Affordable Cohousing. I thank 
you all for that input, I do appreciate it a LOT.


    After being sent a link to a from for the current residents to fill out, 
the current owner of the units
stepped in and basically said that it was too soon to "fill out any forms," 
even though this form is

absolutely preliminary, and doesn't guarantee help from the Partnership; but 
basically an intake form.

    He and his wife had actually asked me to look into legal ways of making 
this a community. When I discussed these issues with the owner, he said that he 
didn't want to "rush into anything." He then asked  me what I 
wanted in a community. I told him it wasn't what I wanted, it's what the group 
want together, and that everyone has to decide and that if he 
really wants a community, then he has to step back and allow everyone to have 
an equal say in matters. He then replied that he wanted something out of this, 
all the sweat equity he's put in, etc..etc. and paying the mortgage for 
years...which I understand. But 
after everything he has said, (and believe me, I've tried to talk to him more 
about this) it leads us to believe that what he wants is to form 
the community the way he wants it, build things and renovate things the 
way he wants it, and wants to get some money out of the deal even if he 
sold the units to each individual. He mentioned that it was "his 
retirement," and that
he doesn't want to do all the work and everyone else just has a leisurely time 
and does nothing. Where he got that idea I
don't know. 


    He's stated that he's wanted to be in Cohousing for years and years, and 
now that there's a chance to form our
own little community, he and his wife are stepping back. I feel as if I've been 
stopped cold in pursuing this any further.
I figured it this way: we have wanted cohousing for so long, and he and 
his family have and the other family here. But when the reality of 
"getting going" started, it was almost like he had a different idea of 
things, as he wanted to continue to be a "Landlord"but still have a 
community. I don't think it works that way at all. What do you all 
think? Thank you for any responses. Take care,

Marsha