Cornerstone Village Cohousing :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1993 Established: 2001

This page last updated:2/26/2011

Cornerstone Village Cohousing

Cambridge, Massachusetts,

United States

FROM OUR VISION STATEMENT

PURPOSE ~ 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 happier lives. We value the cooperative process of planning, designing and maintaining our own community. In today's world, many neighborhoods do not serve the supportive function that they did in previous generations. An intentional, collaborative community can contribute to an individual's sense of belonging, and ability to contribute to the well-being of others and society as a whole.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ~ The community is located in a diverse neighborhood in North Cambridge with easy access to public transportation, stores and open spaces such as the adjacent Linear Park, for both pedestrian and biking use. The community is composed of 32 residential units of various sizes. The community is designed to allow as much shared open space as possible, such as gardens and play space. A central common house allows for for shared dinners and other community activities.

ACCESSIBILITY ~ The community is fully accessible for disabled persons, both residents and visitors.

COMMUNITY ~ The physical design of the community encourages spontaneous interaction. Members 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 joy. Learning and teaching of skills between members, especially across generations, is encouraged. Interdependence and mutual assistance are promoted as an integral part of daily life. Many of us are involved in the neighborhood as well as the wider community. We are committed to the consensus process as our mode of decision-making.

DIVERSITY ~ The community promotes cultural, racial and economic diversity through a broad outreach, the inclusion of affordable units and a welcoming attitude. We welcome families with children, singles, married couples, empty nesters and same-sex households.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ~ Cohousing allows for a lighter, less consumer-oriented lifestyle. Economies of scale abound, including sharing of tools, child care, and guest rooms. We recycle, compost, conserve water and try to be as environmentally responsible as we can.

Status: Completed

Website: http://www.cornerstonecohousing.org/

Contact:

Cornerstone Village Cohousing
175 Harvey St.
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140 United States

Judith Adler

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Welcome to Cornerstone Village Cohousing

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This page last updated:2/26/2011

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Email our contact person with information regarding the planned visit - date, reason they are interested in visiting, whether overnight accommodations will be needed, and contact information.

Network Affiliations:

Fellowship for Intentional Community

:: Coho/US

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): 65 Non-member Residents: 7 (Renters) Open to new members: Yes (As available)	Government Decision Making: By consensus Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: Yes (Managing Board, but they are responsible to the full community. Membership rotates so that every household serves periodically.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (Members are expected to serve on at least one committee. In additinon, each member contributes a minimum of 1 hour of labor per week.) Join Fee: No Regular Fees: Yes (On rare occasions, assessments are required for capital expenditures.)
Land and Buildings Urban Area: 1.3 acres (0.5 hectares) Land Owned By: The community Number of Residences: 32 (Two buildings contain a total of 23 apartments, and there are nine townhouses) Cohousing: Yes	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% Share Community Meals: 1 time/week Dietary Choice or Restrictions: There are some dietary restrictions (Common meals provide options for vegetarians and take allergies into consideration) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally Tobacco Use: Prohibited	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Educational Style(s): Public schooled :: Private school off the property

Cohousing Details

Cohousing Status:

Completed

Year Completed:

2001

Number of Units:

Become an Editor Current editor(s): cohousing, amusante, KenThomson

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