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Newberry Place -
Grand Rapids Cohousing Community Core Values
We have come together to plan for and
live in a cohousing community because we believe that people who
have connections to others in a community context live richer and
more fulfilling lives. In today’s culture, with its fragmented and
often isolating lifestyles, many neighborhoods do not serve the
supportive function that they did in previous generations. An
intentional, collaborative community can contribute to an
individual’s personal sense of belonging and ability to contribute
to the well being of others and society as a whole.
We are committed to locating in a
mixed-income, multigenerational neighborhood. We will seek a
location that is in the core city and within walking distance to
public transportation and near other urban amenities such as
schools, groceries, local businesses, and places of worship.
We will build a housing development of
15 to 25 households which will be designed to create a balance of
community and privacy, by arranging self-sufficient housing (e.g. a
full kitchen) around a community building or “common house” for
shared dinners and other community activities. We will strive to
create green spaces and public gardens for people as communal
gathering places. We will strive to design an environment that
promotes physical, emotional and spiritual health and the safety and
security of all its members. There will be a focus on excellent,
innovative design, both architectural and landscape, with a focus on
creative, aesthetic use of space. The design will focus on the
community of people while minimizing the impact of automobiles on
living. We are committed to designing a community that is sensitive
to and respectful of the surrounding neighborhood.
The physical design of the community
will encourage spontaneous interaction. Members will share some
evening meals in the common house, using a rotation of cooking and
cleaning assignments. We emphasize creating community through shared
activities, work, play, and celebration. We are dedicated to
fostering relationships that are positive and emotionally supportive
for children and adults. We will support children’s education and
development by creating spaces where they may play and learn. We
pledge to act with fairness and integrity, thus building trust and
personal growth. We will make major decisions by using consensus,
which assures that all members accept a decision. We are committed
to resolving conflicts, problems, and issues through direct and
respectful communication.
One of the more appealing aspects of
cohousing is the opportunity for a lighter, less consumer-oriented
lifestyle. We plan to share resources such as the lawn mower, tools,
art supplies, children’s toys, etc. We plan to recycle, compost,
conserve water and try to be environmentally responsible. We have a
strong commitment to conserve our natural resources through sound
construction, energy conservation, and reducing consumption by
sharing materials. Many of us plan to be involved in our
neighborhood as well as the wider community. We are hopeful that
cohousing will also free up time that might otherwise be used for
maintaining an individual house and yard to be used for community
involvement, social-political activism, more involvement in
parenting, or just “free time.”
The community will strive to promote
cultural, racial, and economic diversity through a broad outreach.
We will work to the best of our ability to make our community
affordable through the inclusion of affordable units and rental
units. All common areas and as many individual units as possible
will be accessible to people with disabilities. We welcome families
with children, singles, married couples, older adults, and
non-traditional households. |