Until people have experienced life in a cohousing community, they often have questions and concerns about the details of daily living. But once they have moved in, they find their concerns mitigated by the trust, respect, and commitment neighbors feel for one another. In this atmosphere, long discussions of policy give way to human interaction.

Is there a screening process? Who decides who lives there?

We hope that by giving a clear message of who we are, potential residents understand the nature of the community and of their own participation. We want people to be able to choose whether or not the community meets their needs. In addition, during our development phase members of the LLC may withhold consent to taking in a new partner whom they perceive as possibly acting in ways that would hurt the business.

Are cohousing homes more affordable than other types of housing?

At this point, no. Land, site development, construction, consultants, and financing costs are similar in any new development. Our cohousing homes are comparably priced with other single family and attached houses in the area.

How is the community managed?

Residents will manage the community through a homeowner's association. Residents will form committees to carry out the work, much like we do now.

What about sweat equity? Can it save a lot of money?

In most cases, it is not financially beneficial for residents to do much building themselves. Construction schedules as well as insurance requirements can make resident labor impractical.

What has been the response of planners and city officials?

The town of Charlotte has demonstrated an openness to working with us. We are working with the town to meet the criteria for preliminary subdivision approval.

What about pets?

Pet owners are responsible for keeping their pets away from people who have debilitating allergies or other reasons for wanting to be left alone. Pet owners are further responsible for keeping pets from harming wildlife. We follow the town of Charlotte's rules for control of our pets.

How much participation is required?

We trust the rhythms of the group. Through the time it has taken to begin this project, we have seen the ebb and flow of participation from each member. We expect that people contribute the time and energy that is available in their lives. We expect that after move-in a minimum level of participation might include cooking dinner with a team in the common house, once a month or so, and participating on a work committee.

What about rentals?

Existing cohousing projects do have rental units, owned by residents who intend to move in later or who are away for a period of time. We are compiling a list of interested renters as a resource for investors who choose to purchase units as rental property.

What if I do not like someone in the group?

It is not essential for everyone in a cohousing community to like everyone else. In fact, a variety of personalities adds interest to community life. Cohousing residents need only share a similar goal of making their lives more enjoyable through cooperating with their neighbors. There are enough families involved that you can focus on the relationships that add to your life. Some people say, "If there are even 5 households with people whom I enjoy, it will be an improvement over where I live now."

What about privacy?

Many of our members have been very clear about an intrinsic personal need for indoor and outdoor private space. We are working to provide an atmosphere where each person can strike a satisfying balance between personal privacy and community interaction. The homes have small yards that can be made quite private, and the social mores of the group promise to respect individual needs for time and space alone.