Cohousing-L Mailing List: Diligencia-a part of the problem

[Christine Johnson (christine-johnson]

Ann Zalbado wrote:

>  But sometimes I wonder if the Diligencia are also part of the problem?  
> Maybe if we REALLY retired others would step into the space?

As one of those who recognize myself as a member of the “diligencia”, I  get 
Ann’s point.   Thank you, ma’am!

I think REALLY retiring succeeds when the work that would remain incomplete 
will be contracted out with a competent individual undertaking accountability 
for managing the contract.
I think REALLY retiring succeeds when a critical number of people "get the 
depth and boldness of what it means to live in community”, i.e.,  are willing 
to talk openly and respectfully, acknowledging that it is they who will suffer 
the consequences of failing to protect common assets.

I think REALLY retiring fails and the community eventually will fail (as 
cohousing), when too large a percentage of members have chosen to buy/lease 
into the community to enjoy its social aspects or the common amenities without 
accepting the burdens of managing or completing maintenance and repairs.
I think REALLY retiring fails and community will eventually fail (as 
cohousing), when too large a percentage of the members do not "get the depth 
and boldness of what it means to live in community”, i.e., are unwilling to 
talk about the fact that they themselves are accountable for the consequences 
of not protecting common assets.

There are planned communities and condominiums all over the country in which 
the reserves are underfunded, in which the infrastructure is held together by 
duct tape, patched up by the lowest bidder, and which lack the equity to 
qualify for a loan to meet emergency needs..    See Tyler Berding’s _Uncertain 
Future of Community Associations_ at 
http://www.community-association-hoa-cid-law.com/resources/