Frequently Asked Questions about Westport Cohousing
1.In a nutshell, what is Westport Cohousing? It’s all about building community – we share the desire to create a neighborhood – a supportive, family friendly, intergenerational community with responsible, caring neighbors. The community will be planned, developed and managed by the people who live there. The big idea is to “live gently on the earth.” People can choose their level of community involvement and privacy. It will have about 24 households.
2.What will the community look like? There will be closely clustered housing, joined by walkways with open areas where children can play safely. It will have a larger “Common House” where families have the option of organizing & enjoying group dinners 1-3 times a week. The Common House serves as the center for many activities, such as play space, work shops, exercise room, guest rooms. The group will prioritize this as we design it. Cars, and sheds for parking, will be kept to the perimeter of the community, to make it more pedestrian friendly.
3.Do people own their own homes? Yes, through a condominium structure that includes the land and the Common House.
4.Do homes have their own kitchens? Yes
5.What are the sizes of the individual homes? Smaller than usual! They can range from 700 sq. ft for 1 BR, up to 1500 for 3-BR (all this to be designed and planned by the group).
6.What are the ways that you’ll be environmentally friendly? We plan to have high green standards. The basics are location of the community to minimize use of cars, positioning of the houses for solar gain, the possibility of shared walls, good insulation, triple glazing, alternative innovative wastewater treatment, and a large community garden. We’ll plan for solar panels, but they and other features such as geothermal, wind turbines, composting toilets, and other design features are all to be evaluated, added as feasible. Some items may be for the whole community; some may be by individual household.
7.What are the categories of membership? Equity members invest $1,000 and $50 per month; Associate members, $100 and $30 a month.
8.How many members do you have? As of February 1, 2010 we have 5 Equity Members and 3 Associate Members. There are over 100 people on the “Keep in touch” list.
9.How do you make decisions? By consensus.
10.Do you have any land in mind? Yes; we’ve identified about 5 properties in or near Central Village that we are evaluating now. You’ll learn more about them at our meetings.
11.What will it cost? Cohousing typically costs a little more than something of comparable size in the town as a result of the shared amenities such as the Common House. We’ll be detailing projected costs in relation to the properties.
12.Will there be any affordable units? Yes. In order to build more densely and with smaller lots per home, we’ll be applying for a ‘Comprehensive Permit” as a Local Initiative Program. Twenty-five % will be affordable as part of the permitting process. The details of eligibility for the “Affordable Units” are very precise and will be explained at a meeting, with handouts.
13.What is the time frame for planning, building and moving in? It generally takes 2 – 4 years. We’ve been meeting for about a year.
14.Suppose I (we) change our mind and need to pull out. What are the financial risks? People will get their initial investment back, but it may not be immediate. It might require waiting until the next person joins, so as not to impact the development process.
15.What professional help have you had to date? We’ve been fortunate to have had substantial “pro bono” contributions from very experienced people including a cohousing development consultant, an engineer, an architect, and a builder.
16.How can I learn more about Cohousing? Online, via www.cohousing.org is an amazing, deep website where you can learn about all the other communities in the US, as well as overall Cohousing philosophy and practices. You’ll find links to newspaper and magazine articles world wide. It lists good books and slide shows. Teleconferences are also helpful. You can join the list serve, and get daily updates on the concerns and solutions from other cohousing communities. The best way to learn is to visit other communities. We have visited at least 7 as a group in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and another 5 as individuals or smaller groups.
17.What are the next steps for Westport Cohousing? When we have 8 Equity households we’ll hold a planning retreat with John Ryan, our development advisor. At that time we’ll learn much more about the financing, the development process and will establish a development framework and timeline.
WE HOPE THAT YOU’LL JOIN US AT OUR NEXT POTLUCK & MEETING. CONTACT EMILY AND DAVE SUTTON AT 508 636 4963 or emilyhsutton@gmail.com.
