Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Coho impact on neighborhood

[linda moore (itslindam]

Quayside Village (urban) Cohousing in North Vancouver, BC Canada

During planning, neighbours were concerned about the potential "commune" 
ruining the neighbourhood, and what!  having lots of children there?!  The City 
approved of our concept, the multi-family dwelling, architecturally designed, 
etc.  and granted a number of easements in trade for four affordable units 
built in for perpetuity.
One of our long time residents has applied for a number of awards and grants 
for us over the years, (garden awards, sustainability awards, open house tours) 
and we've won a number; that kind of activity generates recognition in the 
community.   
Our street front gardens where we grow food, herbs and flowers is very popular 
with passers by.  The City gave us a licence to use a 12 x 12 foot section of 
boulevard for growing food in raised beds about 15 years ago, and that too is 
well received as a model for others to follow.
One of our common space rooms is a midwifery clinic, so we're have regular 
visitors that are expectant parents; they hold their post natal family 
get-togethers in our common house.  Future generations will remember Quayside 
Village with its inviting courtyard with fish in the pond!  
It's all "good in the hood" here in North Van!
Linda