Jamaica Plain Cohousing :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1999 Established: 2005

This page last updated:2/4/2013

Jamaica Plain Cohousing

Boston, Massachusetts,

United States

We are a mixed-income, multigenerational, urban cohousing condominium within walking distance to public transportation, that is committed to being in attunement with its urban setting. As part of that commitment we maintain a system of ride sharing, subsidized MBTA fare passes, and community bicycles. We use a modified consensus process to make decisions and are committed to resolving conflicts through honest, direct, and respectful communication.

Four hours of member work per month are expected but we are in process of revising this system. Participation in group meals in encouraged, but not mandated. We strive to work cooperatively for mutual benefit, while respecting personal autonomy and the privacy of one's home. We actively participate in neighborhood events and act as a CSA drop-off site.

We do on-site composting and have eight raised-bed gardens with organic soil. We are committed to conserving natural resources through environmentally-sound construction, energy conservation, recycling, and reducing consumption by sharing materials. All common areas and individual units are accessible to people with disabilities. We value diversity and welcome people from all classes, races, cultures, sexual orientations, and traditional and nontraditional families.

Status: Built and occupied

Website: http://www.jpcohousing.org/

Contact:

This contact section is for people who want to learn more about our community or set up a tour. It is not for sending us long introductions about yourself or selling us things.
Phone: 781-267-5053, 617-522-2209

Massachusetts United States

Links:

Jamaica Plain Cohousing: Our Virtual Home

Facebook: Facebook Page for JP Cohousing

Cohousing US: National cohousing network

Intentional Communities Web Site: an inclusive term for ecovillages, cohousing, residential land trusts, communes, student co-ops, urban housing cooperatives, and other projects where people strive together with a common vision

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

This page last updated:2/4/2013

Visitors Accepted

(contact us ahead of time)

Visitor Process: Call Jeanne at 781-267-5053, or send an email to info@jpcohousing.org or fill out our web form at www.jpcohousing.org. If Jeanne or the web form is not available call 617-522-2209. We regret that we are unable to accommodate overnight guests.

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): 55 Non-member Residents: 1 Open to new members: Yes (only when a unit is up for sale)	Government Decision Making: By consensus (but we can vote if a proposal comes up 3 times and we have not reached consensus) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: Yes (Condo board of directors)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (You have to be able to afford a house) Labor Contribution: Expected (4 hours per month. This does not include committee work or participating in the community meals) Join Fee: No (You have to be able to afford a house.) Regular Fees: Yes (Condo fees)
Land and Buildings Urban (very urban. 1 block from subway.) Area: 0.9 acres (0.4 hectares) Land Owned By: The community Number of Residences: 1 (1 building; 2 wings) Cohousing: Yes	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (Very small amount in raised beds) Share Community Meals: 1 time/week (Average is once a week) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (We offer vegetarian option at meals) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (Since people have private homes, this is hard to estimate) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (currently there are no smokers in the group)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Which Spiritual Traditions(s): (Everyone has their own spiritual tradition) Educational Style(s): Other (Schooling arrangement are up to each household)

Cohousing Details

Cohousing Status:

Completed

Year Completed:

2005

Number of Units:

Square Feet in Common House:

6968

(We have 6971 additional square feet of unfinished basement space in the west wing)

Architect:

Kraus-Fitch and Domenech, Hicks Krockmalnic

Developer:

Commercial Lender:

Wainwright Bank and Trust

Click an image to see it full size.

Become an Editor Current editor(s): cohousing, dsimpson

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