Walnut Commons
Posted by Pamela Arnsberger
Dec 3rd Meeting
Announcements and Reminders
Rotarian of the week is Michelle Bassey for heading up the fund raiser.
Regional meeting is Jan 3rd at 5:00 Doubletree Inn in San Jose; $100 a ticket.
Michelle set the date of May 5th 2016 for the fundraiser (the roast of Sam Farr). Next Wednesday the 9th there is a fundraising meeting at Laura’s house at 6:00. Ideas are needed on who will do the roasting as well as silent and live auction ideas.
Tim announced that SPCA will be doing a free Christmas wrap at the mall. If you have extra wrapping paper, gift bags or tape give it to Tim.
Keith reminded us of his party on Dec 6th, Sunday, at 4:00 at his home.
Doug introduced two students Interact officers from Soquel High. They spoke about a drive for coats and clothing for the homeless shelter and how they are partnering with Toys for Tots collecting new toys for children this Christmas. All toys are welcome except for toys that look like weapons. Doug will be happy to collect.
Laura said there is a need for a temporary home for a 16 year old exchange student at Santa Cruz High.
John Fischer reminded us to make a donation to the Foundation and that there are a few days left to make it for the end of the year to get a tax credit. Give a check to John by December 15th or do it on line.
Sue Lawson introduced our speaker today, Sandy Lansdale. Sandy spoke about Walnut Commons, a three story condominium cohousing project. It is downtown on Walnut Avenue and there are nineteen investor/ owners. They started one LLC and then formed another one to build. Barry Swenson builders did it. The process began in 2011 and they moved in three years later in 2014.
Sue Lawson introduced our speaker today, Sandy Lansdale. Sandy spoke about Walnut Commons, a three story condominium cohousing project. It is downtown on Walnut Avenue and there are nineteen investor/ owners. They started one LLC and then formed another one to build. Barry Swenson builders did it. The process began in 2011 and they moved in three years later in 2014.
What is cohousing? A form of intentional community originating in Denmark. Usually there is a common space with common meals and a common laundry room. It is designed and managed by residents and is a way to create a village. In Walnut Commons the decisions are made by consensus.
Cohousing is usually multigenerational. There are urban, suburban and rural ones which may or may not have gardens. Some communities do have businesses (mixed use). They tend to be pedestrian friendly. These cohousing projects tend to reduce cars; many have underground parking limiting each unit to one vehicle each. Some are retrofitted and can revitalize areas. Some have kid’s rooms or kid’s spaces.
In Walnut Commons everyone cooks about once a month and resources and skills are shared. There are a couple of guest rooms and recreational facilities. Units are from 1-3 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms, competitively priced. There are monthly HOA fees. Sandy’s unit is 1200 square feet with 2 decks. There is even a tool area.
Sandy stressed that clustering of homes saves space and resources and that senior cohousing is the wave of the future.