| 7/27/11-A
This effort is being spearheaded by a group of people committed to the project, working with Aiki Homes Inc., a local green builder who is just completing another such project. This team is creating a development plan to establish what is envisioned.
What follows describes what is envisioned.
Home ownership and management:
The homes at McKenzie Green Commons are intended to be owned and
occupied by seniors. Eighty percent of the units must be occupied by a senior
55 or over. There will be no minors under 18 living on the site.
All home owners will be asked to participate in the governance of the
community. Owners will pay dues to maintain common property, and cover
utilities and insurance pertaining to common property.
Design and construction of homes:
McKenzie Green Commons will consist of 12 separate and attached cottage
style houses, selected from a limited number of designs. Home size will be in
the range of 1000 to 1800 sq. ft., and all will have similar footprints of about 1000 sq. ft.
McKenzie Green Commons will be developed to green, low impact building
standards that consider wise use of energy and materials.
An area exterior to each home, as designated by the development plan, will
be for each home owners use,.
The exterior of each home will be designed by McKenzie Green Land Co.
LLC and Aiki Homes Inc. with member input. To suit individual needs owners will be able to make interior design choices selected from from a palette of options.
The common house and lands:
A common house for adult social interaction, will have a library/quiet room,
kitchen and dining area. Common areas will be owned and managed by a
home owners association.
The grounds will be landscaped with native plants and trees as much as
possible. A vegetable garden and shed for shared tools will be centrally located.
In order to include pets and consider the needs of all residents, only indoor
pets will be allowed. Professionally trained service dogs will be an exception.
Nuisances and enforcement:
Nothing will be used or allowed that would disturb neighbors, or alter the
natural ambiance of McKenzie Green Commons. The entirety of McKenzie
Green Commons will be a nonsmoking and a fragrance free area.
All owners will agree to accept professional mediation, in the event there are disputes between persons residing at McKenzie Green Commons.
Whats current:
Project management: A group of people already committed to the project
and serving as a steering committee meet about every other week. This involves a sizable time commitment, however It is not expected that everyone who will wish to become members/homeowners will be able to put in this kind of time.
For this project to be successful, and as it progresses, we all need to participate in some measure.
Costs: The development plan has been approved by the City of Bellingham. The homes are expected to range from $3-400,000,depending on the size and interior choices individuals make.
Following move-in, there will be regular association dues to cover taxes,
insurance, maintenance, and utilities. | 
