So....whats the plan here?
We're so glad you asked.
Note: Building cohousing generally takes 2-6 years. It's a long term plan.
Step 1.
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Come to NJ Cohousing's first meeting.
Step 2.
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Of the people who come to the meeting, we'll be looking for folks who feel passionate, committed and align with our values (as seen on the Values page). Our goal is to do initial creation with a maximum of 15 adults, and a total of 25-30 adults in the final community.
Step 3.
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Come to the subsequent bimonthly mixer events for the following 4-6 months. People who are interested can exchange contact info and hang out together.
Step 4.
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If the group is vibing and you decide that you are really interested in moving forward, we will have our Initial Membership Meeting about 4-6 months after our very first gathering. At this meeting we will become an established organization. Members will begin contributing monthly dues (amount TBD). Each individual will take on a task that helps us move towards our goal.
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Oh, and we get to pick a name :)
Step 5.
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Now we have a name and are an established organization. We will continue to have monthly meetings! Now they include;
​-Volunteering for tasks.
-Taking time to determine our values and desires.
-Assessing our financial capability.
-Investing in classes to bolster our non-violent communication skills.
-Hammering out our Group Process (how we plan to make decisions).
-Still having fun with each other.
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Depending on our bandwidth, dedication, zeal, due structure and ability to raise funds, this could take six months to two years. But may the odds be ever in our favor.
Step 6.
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Using the money from our dues, we will bring on Kathryn McCamant from Cohousing Solutions as our consultant. She will come and do a two day workshop with us called 'Getting it Built'. Kathryn will be on retainer, require an hourly fee, and when our project gets to financing, we will pay out 1/2% total revenue of the project. Cohousing Solutions is only compensated that percentage if we successfully reach the financing phase. Which we will.
Step 7.
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Using the money from our dues, create an LLC.
Step 8.
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Work with Kathryn and a local real estate broker to choose a viable property in Jersey City or Newark. Likely an attorney as well.
Step 9.
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This is where we start really working with our collective and individual finances in regards to the property. With Kathryn's guidance we will do a Participatory Pre-Design Program - thats where we meet with an architect to identify our priorities and design criteria. Our proposal for planning approvals is submitted. We will also need to hire a contractor, and work with a developer to get a construction loan.
Step 10.
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Yay, we've gotten planning approvals! We'll close escrow on the site and finalize a construction contract and loan. Then construction begins! ​This part of the process can take 1-3 years, but hopefully will move quickly.
Step 11.
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Construction is almost complete! Now we prepare to sell our current properties or move from our rental properties. This includes applying for mortgage loans. And we get to furnish the common room!
Step 12.
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There is a finished Cohousing Home in front of us. We do finishing touches and landscaping. We furnish our own apartments. We move in. Obviously...we throw a huge party.
Step 13.
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Active community management begins!
We use everything we learned and all the bonding we did during the process to cultivate a happy, healthy Cohousing home. And be good neighbors in our neighborhood.
Two Important Notes!
1. Keep in mind that NJ Cohousing is a fledgling organization. While we have done extensive research, this list is subject to the whims of the universe.
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2. Theres no escaping it (and I've tried) - building cohousing requires funds. Affordability is a main goal. I know 'affordability' is a relative word, and once we have a core group we can get deeper into specific finances. I'm told a good rule of thumb is having greater than or equal to 20% of the purchase price of a home in Newark or JC. Hopefully we can brainstorm ways to offset the cost of buying the land and construction.
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3. A reminder - From the first meeting to move in, the process can take 2-6 years. So if you are interested this will be the long game!
