Northeast Corridor Cohousing

Vision

To develop a cohousing community located on the northeast corridor between NYC and Philadelphia, within a 20 minute trip from a train station.

Mission

A joyful, intentional community that values knowing and helping one another. Our community will thrive by caring for our neighbors while respecting privacy and celebrating together our shared values.

What is Cohousing?

Cohousing is a form of semi-communal living that combines private homes with shared community spaces. These intentional communities are designed to promote interaction and connection between neighbors, with common areas and activities that encourage sharing and mutual support. Cohousing is characterized by a balance between privacy and community.

For general information about cohousing please visit cohousing.org

Inclusivity

We strive to foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. We embrace diversity in all its forms, creating a space where individuals of varied backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives come together as one cohesive and vibrant community.

Sustainability

We conscientiously steward the resources around us, mindful of the impact on future generations. Through thoughtful consumption practices we strive to leave a positive ecological footprint.

Communal Effort

We believe that together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. We cherish the spirit of collaboration, pooling our diverse talents and resources to create a thriving, interconnected community.

Multigenerational

We celebrate the beauty and wisdom that each generation brings to our shared tapestry of life. This ensures that elders are revered for their wisdom, children are cherished for their innocence, and every life stage in between is honored.

Healthy

We believe in fostering an environment that promotes not just the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality and joy in everyday life. Health is approached holistically to encourage community longevity, an active lifestyle, and socially healthy connections.

Civic Responsibility

We recognize the power of active participation in shaping our shared destiny. We are committed to fostering a culture where every voice matters, and each member is encouraged to be a steward of positive change within and beyond our walls.

Engagement Process

Visionary Founding Members

A group of 3-5 people who work together in the Community Foundation phase of the project. This group of people will put together the framework of the project including legal structures, financing structures, project timelines, procedural methods, budget estimates, and documentation of the process. Visionary Founding Members should have skills relevant to this phase. Once this phase is complete Visionary Founding Members become Pioneer Founding Members.

Development Time Commitment: 1 meeting every 2 weeks for the first year (26 meetings), and about 4 hours of time a week
Financial Commitment: $2,000 membership fee

The following skills are a plus:

• Construction
• Legal
• Financing 
• Fundraising

Pioneer Founding Members 

Any number of people who want to be involved in the design and development process of the cohousing. With a clear intent to purchase a home, each Pioneer Founding Member has voting rights in all decision making processes. They may join the process at any point up to the end of construction. They will help examine appropriate governance and management structures, decision-making and dispute resolution processes, assist with creating CC&Rs (codes, covenants and rules), maintenance schedules and development priorities.

Development Time Commitment: 1 meeting every month to start, involvement TBD
Financial Commitment: $2,000 membership fee and intent to purchase a home

Founding Members 

Founding Members are people who decide to purchase their home as construction is either close to complete or fully complete. 

Development Time Commitment: none
Financial Commitment: Purchase of a home

Explorers 

Any person who would like to be involved at any point in the process. They will receive access to all meeting notes, decision logs, budgets, etc. They will receive key update emails as necessary. Explorers may attend any meeting in a listening capacity. 

Development Time Commitment: none
Financial Commitment: $100
Legal Commitment: None

Project Goals

Below are the goals of the project. These will serve as the guiding metrics throughout the development of the project. 

Costs

• Average cost of home $300,000 or less 
• 20% upfront startup cost 
• HOA fees less than $500

Financing methods are not yet known, however they will aim to be inclusive and allow for flexibility.

Timeline

Target Move in Year: 2030

Construction 

• Year 1: Community Foundation 
• Year 2: Land Search 
• Year 3-6: Development and Construction 

Community Building

• Annual camping trip beginning Year 2
• Member potluck every 2 months 

Location Characteristics 

• Between NYC and Philadelphia
• 20 minute trip from a northeast corridor train station
• 30 minute drive from a large hospital 
• Within a good school district 
• Urban, suburban or rural

Amenities 

• Shared kitchen
• Shared dining and event space
• Coworking and office space
• Playroom
• Guest rooms
• Laundry
• Workshop / craft room 
• Community garden
• Community garage 
• 1 electric vehicle charger per household  

Spatial Principles 

• ~25 homes
• 2.4 adults per home desired density
• Home sizes: 1-4 bedroom
• ~600 sf to ~1,500 sf homes 
• Lockout room on larger units, to encourage rentals
• 2+ acres to allow for green spaces 
• Age in place design features 
• Net zero design, where financially feasible 

Forming

Looking for Visionary Founding Members. Hoping to have a full group by August 2024. We are currently working closely with Ecovillage New Jersey.