Name to be determined. :: Communities Directory

Forming Formed: 2009

This page last updated:1/9/2011

Name to be determined.

Scarborough, Maine,

United States

This is still in the idea stages, and the most important part of the plan at this point is to find other like minded individuals in order to develop a mission statement, set of goals, and develop a plan of action.

My family and I live in Scarborough, Maine. There is a need in this town, and in the surrounding areas, to express through example what it means to live in a cooperative community. I also have a deep need to surround myself with people who understand the complexities and responsibilities of everyday living, and a desire to share both my struggles and my support with people willing to share in it. "It takes a village" is a saying close to my heart.

My personal vision is to find people who believe in working together towards common goals, in a small and intimate community setting. An emphasis in self sustained living is high priority and the only true requirement for our visions to be considered compatible. There are a number of different ways that this can be expressed, and as a person who understands that community members must cooperate and compromise with one another, I choose not to define what the future of this community might actually look like.

I do however, have several ideas that I would like to share. There are several large parcels of land in my town that when purchased between 15-30 families would be quite a reasonable cost and likely not require financing of any kind. In an ideal situation, if 15-30 families are found, the skill mix and network of our extended families would come into play and hopefully afford us the opportunity to clear the land and build our homes with as minimal a financial impact as possible.

I envision at the very least a large shared community space for several people and/or families, used for gatherings and perhaps shared meals. Structurally speaking, whether homes are separated, connected, or joined completely is totally up for discussion. Most importantly, land would remain community shared land in order to facilitate whatever we chose to use it for together. (farm, barn, gardens, shared items etc...).

As we begin to find one another, the vision undoubtedly will evolve and develop. I hope to find people willing to live in a mutually supportive and fulfilling way, and am excited to finally be taking steps to make this dream a reality!

Contact:

Joanna Basinger
Scarborough, Maine 04074 United States
Phone: 207-956-8322

Links:

Closest Closet: My web version of my community.

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

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This page last updated:1/9/2011

Visitors Accepted

(For introductions, visits, information.)

Visitor Process: Email is the most convenient way for me to communicate with you. The community does not exist yet, but if you would like to visit the potential site, please email me and I can forward you the listing. If you are interested in beginning this journey, please email me, and we can arrange a meeting. I can't wait!

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Population Members(adults and children): 7 (My family, 2 adults and 5 children) Non-member Residents: 0 (Community not yet established) Open to new members: Yes (YES YES YES YES YES)	Government Decision Making: Other (Undetermined at this time.) Identified Leader: Yes (So far, it's just me! But I don't mind handing over the torch.) Leadership Core Group: No (Leadership will need to be addressed.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Other (Undetermined at this time.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (That does not mean that other people will necessarily obligate themselves to pay other people's pre-existing debt.) Labor Contribution: Expected (That's the idea!) Join Fee: No Answer (Undetermined at this time.) Regular Fees: No Answer (Undetermined at this time.)
Land and Buildings Rural (In order to get a lot large enough to accomodate in Scarborough, we would be in a rural part of town, though Scarborough is surrounded by cities.) Land Owned By: (Land is not purchased at this time.) Number of Residences: 0 (The community does not exist at this time. Up for discussion is seperate housing, or communal housing.) Cohousing: No Answer (Undetermined at this time.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: over 50% (Hopefully, 100% some day!) Share Community Meals: Nearly all meals (That would be my dream come true! This would not be an expectation, but certainly lovely!) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (I'd love shared meals, but certainly, there will be exceptions based upon people's preferences.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (Responsibly) Tobacco Use: Prohibited (I say prohibited because that is my hope, but certainly, smokers would not be excluded, but we would have to talk about a respectful way to accomodate those needs.)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Answer (My family is Christian, and would love to live among other Christians. We are open to families who are not Christian as well. We do not pressure or question people about their beliefs.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Other (See above.) Educational Style(s): Home schooling (Is my dream, but certainly up for discussion! My kids are currently in the public school system.)

Become an Editor Current editor(s): jobasinger

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Comment from BeccaP on 8/11/2011 (Reader Rating: 0)

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Love the ideas. Curious if any others have expressed interest yet, and what kinds of material would be needed to build housing.

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